MustangForums.com

Ford Mustang and Ford Mustang GT 1994-2004: How to Replace Power Steering Fluid

You don't need a special shop to flush the old power steering fluid from the system. All you need is a turkey baster and a few minutes from your day.

By Neftali Medina - September 23, 2015
Contributors: ChrisFix

This article applies to the Ford Mustang and Ford Mustang GT (1994-2004).

In order for your power steering to operate at optimal performance, the fluid needs to be flushed every 60,000 miles. When the fluid gets old, it looses some of its original consistency and sometimes picks up some pieces of debris. Older fluid can also damage the pump internals, leading to an even more expensive repair. Fortunately, replacing the fluid on your pony car is fairly simple and only requires a few quarts of new fluid, with some basic tools. Use the following instructions to replace the power steering fluid in your Ford Mustang.

Materials Needed

  • Turkey baster
  • Motorcraft Mercon ATF XT-2-QM
  • Pliers
  • Rags
  • Drain pan
  • Jack stands
  • Jack

Step 1 – Raise and secure the chassis

Take a jack and lift the front of the car up. Use a pair a jack stands to support the front-end, and remove the weight of the car from the jack.

Figure 1. Front crossmember jack point.

Step 2 – Locate the power steering reservoir

The power steering reservoir will be located by the pump and will have a cap with its name on it. Take a turkey baster and suck out some of the old fluid to check its consistency.

Figure 2. Locate the power steering reservoir.

Once found, take a turkey baster and remove some of the old fluid from the system. Here you will be able to see how bad things actually are.

Figure 3. Comparison of old and new power steering fluid.

Step 3 – Drain the system

  • First you have to use the turkey baster to remove the fluid from the upper part of the system.
  • As you remove the fluid, place it into a pan or bottle.
  • After you suck out most of the fluid, turn the steering wheel left and right so the reservoir can be refilled.
  • Continue to remove the fluid from the reservoir until it depletes.
Figure 4. Remove the fluid from the reservoir.

Step 4 – Locate the low pressure steering hose

  • Locate the low pressure steering hose.
  • Disconnect it and drain the rest of the fluid into a bottle.
  • Turn the steering wheel left or right to pump out the old fluid.
Figure 5. Drain the fluid from the lower pressure hose.

Now you can begin flushing out the rest of the old fluid. Pour in a new quart through the reservoir and allow it to drain through the system. Once the fluid being drained turns clear, reconnect the low pressure line.

Step 5 – Top off the power steering fluid

  • Take some new fluid and pour it into the power steering reservoir.
  • Turn the engine on and let the pump cycle for a few seconds; then turn it off.
  • Check the reservoir and top the fluid off if necessary.
  • Remove the jack stands and lower the chassis.

Take the car out for a test drive and proceed to check the power steering reservoir. If it has decreased in level, top it off again and if it hasn't, let it be.

Featured Video: How to Flush Power Steering Fluid

Related Discussions