Electronic Steering: Lubrication: Purging

A whine noise heard from the power steering pump may be caused by air in the system. The following service procedure must be performed whenever any of the following services are performed:

• All power steering noise complaints with evidence of aerated fluid on pre-delivery vehicles only, prior to any component service.
• Any power steering system component (such as gear, hose).

1. Remove fluid reservoir cap. Check fluid level.
2. Tightly insert stopper of hand-held vacuum pump into the fluid reservoir.See Fig 1 .
   Fig 1: Using Vacuum Pump To Purge Air From Power Steering System

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
3. Start vehicle. Apply maximum vacuum for a minimum of 3 minutes at idle. Maintain maximum vacuum with the vacuum pump.
4. Release vacuum and remove the vacuum pump. Refill power steering reservoir to correct level. See Figure . Use Motorcraft MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose ATF, or equivalent fluid.
5. Reinstall vacuum pump. Apply vacuum.
CAUTION: Do not hold steering wheel in far left or right position or damage to power steering may result.
6. Cycle steering wheel from stop to stop every 30 seconds for about 54 minutes.
7. Remove vacuum pump.
8. Refill power steering reservoir to correct level. See Figure . Use Motorcraft MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose ATF, or equivalent fluid.
9. Check for fluid leaks. If system still shows signs of aeration, repeat this procedure.