Section 11-00: Steering System, Service
1996 F-150, F-250, F-350, Bronco and F-Super Duty Workshop Manual
SERVICE PROCEDURES

Preliminary Procedures

Make the following preliminary checks before power steering disassembly.

 

Air Bleeding

If bubbles are present in the power steering fluid, bleed the system as follows:

  1. Fill power steering oil reservoir (3A697).

  1. Run engine until fluid reaches normal operating temperature of 74-79°C (165-174°F).

  1.  CAUTION: Do not hold steering wheel (3600) in the far left or right position, or damage to power steering pump (3A674) may result.

    Turn steering wheel all the way to the left and right several times.

  1. Check fluid level.

  1. If air is still trapped in system, refer to Purging Power Steering System of Air in the Service Procedures portion of this section.

 

Fluid Level

  1.  CAUTION: Do not hold steering wheel in the far left or right position, or damage to power steering pump may result.

    Idle engine for two to three minutes. Turn steering wheel all the way to the left and right several times to warm fluid to 43-49°C (109-120°F).

  1.  CAUTION: Do not overfill power steering oil reservoir.

    Check fluid level in the power steering oil reservoir. Fluid level should be at the COLD FULL mark. If level is low, add Motorcraft MERCON® ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON® equivalent.

 

Pump Belt

Replace glazed or worn drive belt (8620). Refer to Section 03-05.