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

Start-Up Procedure After Power Steering Pump or Gear Service

Upon initial engine start-up after a power steering pump (3A674) or steering gear (3504) overhaul (particularly the power steering pump), there is frequently noise and aeration. This is due to air trapped in the overhauled unit which mixes with the surging fluid and causes aeration. The problem can be minimized using the following procedure.

Diesel Engines

  1. Fill the power steering oil reservoir (3A697) and start the engine (6007).

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

    Cycle the steering wheel from stop to stop.

  1. Shut the engine off and add fluid to bring the power steering oil reservoir to the FULL mark.

Gasoline Engines

  1. Disconnect the ignition control module (ICM) (12K072) to preventengine from starting.

  1. Fill the power steering oil reservoir.

  1. NOTE: Be careful to avoid prolonged cranking as the battery may be drained and thestarter motor (11001) damaged.

    Crank the engine with the starter motor and continue adding fluid until the level remains constant.

  1. Rotate the steering wheel approximately 30 degrees each side of center while continuing to crank the engine.

  1. Recheck the fluid level and fill as required.

  1. Reconnect the ICM.

  1. To clear fault codes, disconnect battery for one minute and then reconnect battery.

  1. Start the engine and allow it to run for several minutes.

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

    Rotate the steering wheel from stop to stop.

  1. Shut off the engine, recheck the fluid level and add as required.