QuestionHello, WE have a 99 taurus v-6, auto, with a steering problem! We replaced the steering rack and the pump.I have bled it the way i was told but the fluid foams and when you turn off the engine fluid squirts from the vent hole in the reservoir cap. Any help! thanks, Dave.
AnswerHello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
This is the procudure I have for flushing/bleeding the PS system:
If dirt is found in the power rack and pinion steering gear, flush the power steering pump as follows:
Make sure all other hoses are connected, then disconnect the power steering pressure hose at the power rack and pinion steering gear.
Place the power steering pressure hose in a container.
Fill the power steering oil reservoir with Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or equivalent meeting Ford MERCON specification.
Disable ignition by removing the ignition coil fuse in the fuse junction panel fuse number 10.
CAUTION: Do not crank engine for more than 30 seconds at a time, damage to the starter could result . While adding approximately 1.9 liters (0.5 gal) of Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2 QDX or equivalent meeting Ford MERCON specification, turn ignition switch to the START position and crank the engine with the starter motor. As soon as all fluid has been added, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Connect the power steering pressure hose at the power rack and pinion steering gear.
Check the fluid level.
Crank the engine with the starter motor and add Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2 QDX or equivalent meeting Ford MERCON specification until the level remains constant.
Lower vehicle and reinstall number 10 fuse in the junction panel. Start vehicle.
Turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock to expel any air trapped in the system. This will restore normal steering action.
This is the procedure for purging the system:
PROCEDURE NO. 1
The replacement power steering pump must be primed with Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or equivalent meeting Ford MERCON specification prior to installation as follows:
Remove the fitting from the pressure port and pour power steering fluid into the pressure port with the port facing upward to maximize the amount of fluid added to the power steering pump
Turn the power steering pump driveshaft slowly during this procedure to allow more fluid to enter the power steering pump.
Mount the power steering pump to the vehicle in a manner that does not allow the fluid to escape from the power steering pump.
Connect the steering lines to the power steering pump and power steering oil reservoir.
Fill the power steering oil reservoir to the proper dipstick level with Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or equivalent meeting Ford MERCON specification.
Start the vehicle and slowly make stop-to-stop turns to purge air from the system.
Stop the engine and add additional fluid to the power steering oil reservoir to the proper dipstick level.
PROCEDURE NO. 2
When the unprimed replacement power steering pump has been mounted to the engine, perform the following procedure:
Connect the steering lines to the power steering pump and power steering oil reservoir.
Fill the power steering oil reservoir to the proper dipstick level with Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or equivalent meeting Ford MERCON specification.
Raise the front of the vehicle until both front wheels are off the ground.
Start the vehicle and slowly make stop-to-stop turns to purge air from the system.
Stop the engine and add additional fluid to the power steering oil reservoir to the proper dipstick level.
Lower front of vehicle and check power steering system for proper operation.
PLEASE READ ALL CARFULLY!
Hope this helps,
Erik
