Bleeding the power steering on a Ford can be done after the reservoir has been filled with new fluid and after the old fluid has been drained. When new fluid has been added to the reservoir, air can get into the system. This will require you to bleed the power steering to remove the trapped air. You can bleed the steering on a Ford by first making sure that the reservoir has been filled with power steering fluid.

Locate the dipstick for the power steering reservoir and pull it out to check that the proper fluid level has been reached.

  • Bleeding the power steering on a Ford can be done after the reservoir has been filled with new fluid and after the old fluid has been drained.
  • Locate the dipstick for the power steering reservoir and pull it out to check that the proper fluid level has been reached.

Place the dipstick back in place and then turn the steering wheel to the left and to the right. Remove the dipstick for the power steering fluid again. If the fluid appears foamy, there is air in the system that will need to be removed.

Locate the bleed valve for the power steering fluid. The bleed valve is on the power steering pump that is typically located on the driver's side of the engine. Attach a small length of rubber tubing onto the end of the valve and run the tubing into a catch container.

Start the vehicle's engine and open the bleed valve with the adjustable wrench.

Turn the valve counter-clockwise to open the bleed valve.

Turn the steering wheel from left to right and look to see if the power steering fluid is coming out of the rubber tubing foamy.

Close the bleed valve and add power steering fluid to the reservoir to replace what was lost.

  • Locate the bleed valve for the power steering fluid.
  • Close the bleed valve and add power steering fluid to the reservoir to replace what was lost.

Repeat steps 5, 6 and 7 until the power steering fluid is running out of the rubber tubing without foaming.

Remove the rubber tubing from the bleed valve once all of the air has been removed from the system.

TIP

Put the vehicle in neutral so you can turn the steering wheel. Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for the power steering dipstick and bleed valve location.

WARNING

Be careful to not run the system out of fluid when bleeding.