General Procedures: Purging

Special Tool(s) 

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool(s)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

A whine heard from the power steering pump may be caused by air in the system. The power steering purging procedure must be performed under the following conditions:

• Prior to any component repair for which power steering noise complaints are accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid.
• After replacement of any power steering system component (gear, hose, etc.).

1. Remove the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
   Fig 2: Removing Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Cap

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2. Tightly insert the stopper of vacuum pump into the power steering fluid reservoir.
   Fig 3: Inserting Stopper Of Vacuum Pump Into Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Start the engine and allow it to idle.
4. Using the special tool, apply the maximum vacuum for a minimum of three minutes with the engine at idle. Maintain the maximum vacuum with vacuum pump.
   Fig 4: Maintaining Maximum Vacuum With Vacuum Pump

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Release the vacuum source and remove vacuum pump.
6. Add fluid to the center mark of the power steering fluid reservoir.
   Fig 5: Adding Fluid To Center Mark Of Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Using the special tool, reinstall vacuum pump stopper and apply maximum vacuum.
   Fig 6: Reinstalling Vacuum Pump Stopper And Applying Maximum Vacuum

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
8. Cycle the steering wheel from stop to stop every 30 seconds for approximately five minutes.
9. Stop the engine, release the vacuum source, and remove vacuum pump.
   Fig 7: Releasing Vacuum Source

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
10. Add power steering fluid if necessary. Install the power steering fluid reservoir cap.
    Fig 8: Installing Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Cap

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
11. Start the engine and cycle the steering wheel from stop to stop every 30 seconds for approximately five minutes.
12. Check for power steering fluid leaks at all connections. If the power steering fluid still shows signs of aeration, repeat this procedure.
    WARNING: Do not mix fluid types. Any mixture or any unapproved fluid could lead to seal deterioration and leaks. A leak could ultimately cause loss of fluid, which could result in a loss of power steering assist.