Preliminary Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Verify the customer concern.
Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical damage or leaks.
Visual Inspection Check
- Fluid level
- Tire pressure
- Tires
- Drive belt
- Drive belt tensioner
- Steering column alignment
- Tie-rod ends
- Suspension components
- Steering column shaft U-joints
- Intermediate shaft bolts
- Power steering reservoir baffle
- Power steering reservoir screen
- Power steering pressure lines, fittings or O-rings
- Power steering return hoses and clamps
- Steering gear
- Power steering pump
- Power steering fluid cooler (if equipped)
Inspect the power steering fluid for the following conditions:
- Aeration or foam: Purge the power steering system. Refer to: Power Steering System Purging .
- Overheating or contamination: Flush the power steering system. Refer to: Power Steering System Flushing .
NOTE: It may be necessary to add power steering fluid to achieve the correct level.

Check the fluid level and clean the power steering components. With the ignition OFF:
- check the power steering fluid level and add fluid as necessary. Automatic Transmission Fluid (WSS-M2C938-A;MERCON ® LV)
- wipe off any visible signs of fluid or residue build up.
- NOTE: Do not hold the steering wheel at the stops for more than 5 seconds. Damage to the power steering pump may occur.
  
  Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times.
Visually inspect the power steering hydraulic line/hose connections for damage or leaks.
- If a leak is detected at a threaded fitting or clamp plate joint, tighten to specification. If the leak is still evident, visually inspect the O-rings or Teflon ® seals. Install new O-rings or Teflon ® seals as necessary.
- If a leak is detected at a constant tension spring clamp, verify that the hose is not damaged and fully installed on the hose fitting. Make sure that the constant tension spring clamp is positioned 2 mm (0.078 in) from the end of the hose. If the leak remains, install a new constant tension spring clamp.
Visually inspect the power steering components for leaks.
- If a leak is detected in the power steering pressure line or return hose, install a new power steering pressure line or hose.
- If a leak is detected in the steering gear turn tubes, repair or install new turn tubes.
- If a leak is detected in the power steering pump, install a new power steering pump. Refer to: Power Steering Pump - 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel . or REFER to: Power Steering Pump - 6.8L Triton-30V - V10 .
- If a leak is detected in the steering gear, repair or install a new steering gear. Refer to: Steering Gear - Vehicles With: Hydro-Boost™ .
- If a leak is detected in the power steering cooler, install a new cooler. Refer to: Power Steering Fluid Cooler .
For information on power steering leak detection, refer to Component Tests .
If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding.
If the cause is not visually evident, verify the symptom and GO to Symptom Chart - Steering System or GO to Symptom Chart - NVH .