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Ford Mustang V6 and GT 2005-2014: How to Replace Power Steering Fluid

Dirty fluid can turn form a nuisance to a big problem if ignored. So, instead of waiting for the pump to fail, use this method to quickly flush the power steering fluid on your Ford Mustang.

By Neftali Medina - October 23, 2015
Contributors: ChrisFix

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 and GT (2005-2014).

Are you experiencing issues with whining or perhaps dry spots? Power steering fluid is made to handle a specific amount of heat and pressure. However, as it ages, the fluid loses its consistency, resulting in the car developing some steering issues. These issues include random dry spots, a loud whining pump, and eventually pump failure. Shops often use a special machine that both flushes and bleeds the power steering system, but you can do all of this work yourself. Just follow the instructions listed here to replace the power steering fluid on your Ford Mustang.

Materials Needed

  • Turkey baster
  • RPT MAX ATF
  • Pliers
  • Rags
  • Jack stand
  • Drain pan
  • Jack

Step 1 – Raise and secure the chassis

If you are just removing the fluid from the reservoir and have no interest in flushing the system, then you can skip this step. However, for a complete power steering fluid flush, you'll have to crawl under the chassis and reach the low pressure hose. So, raise the chassis up and support it using jack stands.

Figure 1. Raise and secure the car.

Step 2 – Inspect the fluid

Locate the power steering reservoir and inspect the fluid using a turkey baster. The color of the fluid varies according to the type you use; however, it should still hold some level of transparency. These models in particular use RPT MAX ATF fluid.

Figure 2. Inspect the fluid consistency.

Step 3 – Empty the system

To empty the power steering lines, start at the reservoir.

  • Open the cap and use the turkey baster to begin sucking up the fluid.
  • Place the removed fluid into a drain pan.
  • While removing the fluid, with the car off and steering wheel unlocked, begin turning left to right. This will push more fluid into the reservoir.
  • Keep sucking the fluid from the reservoir until it depletes.
Figure 3. Remove the fluid from the reservoir.

Step 4 – Flush the system

  • Crawl under the car and locate the low pressure steering hose.
  • Place a drain pan or bottle underneath it and remove the hose clamp.
  • Let the fluid drain into the drain pan.
  • While it is draining, turn the steering wheel left and right to push the fluid out.
  • When the fluid runs low, pour more into the system and continue to pump it out.
  • When the fluid turns clear, reconnect the low pressure line and pour new fluid into the reservoir.

Figure 4. Drain the fluid from the lower pressure hose.

Step 5 – Check the pump

  • After refilling the reservoir, turn the engine on and quickly let the pump cycle, then turn it off again.
  • Open the cap and check the fill level. If it needs more fluid, pour some in.
  • Remove the jack stands and lower the chassis.

It should be fine, but just for good measure, take a test drive and recheck the power steering reservoir. If the fluid is good, then you are finished.

Figure 5. Pour new power steering fluid.

Featured Video: How to Flush Your Power Steering Fluid

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