Power Steering Fluid - Tips

83ford9

Article No. 83-17-5


STEERING - POWER - SERVICE CLARIFICATION ALL WITH POWER RACK & PINION STEERING GEAR


FORD 1978-83 FAIRMONT, T-BIRD, GRANADA, MUSTANG, LTD

LINCOLN-MERCURY 1978-83 ZEPHYR, XR7, COUGAR, CAPRI, CONTINENTAL, MARQUIS

Occasionally, dark colored power steering fluid is observed during the servicing of power rack and pinion steering gears. Dark colored fluid is normal from service usage and does not indicate a need to replace the power steering pump, hoses, or fluid.

When fluid is noted to contain dirt, sludge, or small metal particles, flushing the system rather than replacing all other major components is usually sufficient. A major component should only be replaced when it is known to be inoperative or damaged. Flush out the system and add new fluid (Motorcraft Type F automatic transmission fluid ESW-M2C33-F or equivalent), using the procedure described in the Car Shop Manual, Section 13-01, Steering - General Service.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"