Bleeding Power Steering on Ford F-150?

101lifts2 · 03-17-2010, 02:28 AM

Can someone post the service manual procedure on how to bleed the power steering on a 2006 F-150?

The cap was loose and fluid splilled out the reservoir (well my bud was using the truck and that is what he told mes). Filled it up and turned the wheel side to side about 20 times, but at idle the steering is hard in some spots. Tried picking up the front wheels and doing the same thing. A tad better, but no luck. If it's just a gravity feed system (like most), I'll have to replace the pump for 70 bucks, but I think these pumps are known junk.

Homeslice · 03-17-2010, 04:17 AM

Why do you necessarily have to replace the pump?

If you're gonna replace all the fluid, use Redline steering fluid, it doesn't cavitate as much as the oem stuff.

Speedracer42 · 03-17-2010, 10:34 AM

There are several aftermarket additives that lubricate and condition Ford pumps. And they work VERY well. There is no bleeding necessary. Fill with fluid and you are done. Sometimes they will make noise for a bit until any air is worked out of the system but thats it. But again before spending money and labor on a pump try a $10 additive first.

101lifts2 · 03-17-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

Why do you necessarily have to replace the pump?

If you're gonna replace all the fluid, use Redline steering fluid, it doesn't cavitate as much as the oem stuff.

No.....either my bud or a shop left the cap off. The fluid squirted out until the power steering stopped working at idle. My bud filled up the fluid, but the steering assist effort goes in and out at idle.

101lifts2 · 03-17-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedracer42

There are several aftermarket additives that lubricate and condition Ford pumps. And they work VERY well. There is no bleeding necessary. Fill with fluid and you are done. Sometimes they will make noise for a bit until any air is worked out of the system but thats it. But again before spending money and labor on a pump try a $10 additive first.

Do you know of any in particular?

I'll try the Redline fluid and an additive.

03-17-2010, 02:28 AM	#1
101lifts2 WSB Champion Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Anaheim, CA Moto: 2009 Kawi ZX6R Posts: 5,570	Bleeding Power Steering on Ford F-150? Can someone post the service manual procedure on how to bleed the power steering on a 2006 F-150? The cap was loose and fluid splilled out the reservoir (well my bud was using the truck and that is what he told mes). Filled it up and turned the wheel side to side about 20 times, but at idle the steering is hard in some spots. Tried picking up the front wheels and doing the same thing. A tad better, but no luck. If it's just a gravity feed system (like most), I'll have to replace the pump for 70 bucks, but I think these pumps are known junk. __________________ Train Hard Ron Paul - 2012 Mark of Excellence GM

03-17-2010, 04:17 AM	#2
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	Why do you necessarily have to replace the pump? If you're gonna replace all the fluid, use Redline steering fluid, it doesn't cavitate as much as the oem stuff.

03-17-2010, 10:34 AM	#3
Speedracer42 Kneedragger Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: PDX Posts: 170	There are several aftermarket additives that lubricate and condition Ford pumps. And they work VERY well. There is no bleeding necessary. Fill with fluid and you are done. Sometimes they will make noise for a bit until any air is worked out of the system but thats it. But again before spending money and labor on a pump try a $10 additive first.