Power Steering Shudder

[Chris Talarico]

I just changed my AC Compressor, all went well. Had to move my Power Steering Resevoir to get at the compressor.



Finished the job to find out that the Power Steering has a significant shudder to it now.:angry:

I used regular power steering fluid. Is that OK. could it be my problem? Or might it just be that there is air in the system that need to work itself out? Shall i drive in circles in a parking lot like I normally do in the snow.



Thanks.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Generally, the air will work itself out. I found that if you turn it stop to stop that it will help. However, as you do so, make sure the fluid does not go low (due to the air leaving) or you will put in even more air...

 

[John Z]

I thought we are supposed to use Mercon V for our power steering fluid and not standard power steering fluid?

 

[Chris Talarico]

Thanks for the update so far. I should probably drain the fluid since I used power steering fluid instead of Mercon. Whaddya think everyone?



I mixed the original with Power Steering fluid, is that OK?



Any idea how to drain, or where?:unsure:

 

[FlipTrac_511]

I read somewhere too that Mercon V is supposed to go in there now.

 

[EddieS'04]

Read the specs on the PS fliud. If it is speced for your year. You will be OK..

 

[John Z]

Maybe Todd will chime in later and let you know for sure which PS Fluid to use.

 

[Chris Talarico]

My biggest question is can I mix em? I place regular power steering fluid in, whitout consulting the manual. What a dumb move :huh:

 

[EddieS'04]

If the specs dont match. Just drain it and replace. Short time, most likley no harm.

 

[Ron N]

Use only MERCON ATF.that is out of the glove box manual for 2003._Ron

 

[Dre L]

PS fluid and Mercon don't mix.



Mercon V is approved to all Fords now, old ones too. Dealer's will no longer stock phased out Mercon, they will add Mercon until supplies are finished, then begin using Mercon V.

 

[FlipTrac_511]

Even the Motorcraft MerconV bottles now say "...and Power Steering Fluid".



Rico, I just flushed my PS pump and had lots of steering shudder after I let the Trac off the jackstands. A few left and right turns, a few u-turns later, it went away.