Having a problem with automatic power steering flush.

[HankG]

The problem, of course, being that I have one. For some reason, my power steering seems to like to go pop, spraying ATF over just about everything near it in the engine bay and hood. I'm not positive what the situation is that is causing it. I think the first time it did it while I was driving (or very shortly after - didn't know it happened until I saw a puddle forming under my truck), and just a few minutes ago, it popped when I was turning the wheel with the truck not even running, and quite a bit of fluid drained out. Not sure if it's leaking anywhere else, but it's popping the cap off for sure. I don't know if it was overfilled the first time, but I'm almost certain it wasn't the second time it happened.

Any ideas about what is causing this? I've been driving the truck for one week and it's happened twice, so I'd like to get this taken care of so I don't have to drive around with a quart of ATF with me.

 

[Yellowsplash]

Dont turn the steering wheel when the motor isnt running. It will do it everytime.
Second, make sure the cap is seating properly.

 

[HankG]

I'll check the cap to make sure it's on right. Is there something specific about the Ford power steering pump that would cause it to pop when turning the wheels with the truck off? I've done it many, many times on my Pathfinder with no problems.

 

[doyouquaxu]

it forces fluid in the system and causes enough pressure that the cap pops off, or fluid will squirt thru a bleed hole in the top of the cap. either way, not good for the system.

 

[manger]

are you using the correct ATF type F? They are a self bleeding system maybe something is plugged up. or maybe there is an air leak.

 

[calypso93]

Ditto on not turning the steering wheel when it isn't running. I just flushed my brake fluid and did just that. It peed PS fluid out of the cap's vent hole. Brought the level down below the top of the reservoir neck.

 

[tbirdsps]

The power steering my be self bleeding but the proper procedure is to jack the front and without the engine running move the front wheels slowly from left to right at least 20 times to bleed the air before starting the engine.

If you don't do this there's a chance that the pump may cavitate causing a permanant whine.

 

[trader007]

if you move the wheels too fast while youre working on the brakes or something and fluid squirts out, just put the truck on the ground in park, start the engine and use the steering wheel to turn the wheels all the way one way, stop for 2 seconds while holding it at the bump point, and then turn it all the way the other way and hold it there for 2 seconds. repeat this like 10 times. you can turn the wheel pretty fast, it doesnt take that long. it will fix the squirrly steering. just dont physically grab the tires while the engine is off and turn the wheels that way... the airbleed technique i read from a ford document i believe, but i cant remember for sure.