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power steering flush issue on 6.0

11K views 22 replies 5 participants last post by  zsargent  
#1 ·
so watched some vids, pretty confident going into this.
removed the line from the hydroboost to the ps res.
put a line to a bucket in its place
started the truck to siphon from the hydro boost
fluid started pumping out of the line that i disconnected
yes the line was above the res by quite a bit.
am i supposed to clamp\plug that line? if so, i haven't seen that mentioned anywhere
what am i doing wrong?
 
#3 · (Edited)
Maybe you could post a picture that points out the connections you are talking about.

In the meantime, the thread below shows the hydroboost line that can be used for the flush - just as a check on your process (even though this is a filter install thread).


The fluid will pump out of the hydroboost line with the engine on - it is supposed to as I understand it. To flush this way, you need to watch the level and keep adding fluid as needed.

What I do is a series of drains and fills. Just seems easier. I do have a filter installed.

Another way is:
Remove the top line from the power steering cooler. Let it drain. Place a line on the cooler end and direct it to a container. Start the engine and add fluid to the reservoir. Pump the brake pedal and then add more fluid. Do this 2 or 3 times. You will have all clean fluid.
 
#4 ·
Maybe you could post a picture that points out the connections you are talking about.

In the meantime, the thread below describes what to do for the flush - just as a check on your process.

that doesnt tell you what to do for a flush, its just a guy adding an in line filter off of the hydraboost

attached is where the hydraboost connects to the ps res.
pull that tube off. add a lenth of tube in its place to a bucket.
turn the truck on and move the steering wheel left to right and pump the brakes a few times.
similar to a brake bleed.
but when the tube to the bucket is on, i start the truck the hose that was taken off the hydraboost, starts gurgling atf
i have read and watched vids on the procedure and no one mentions that.
i guess ill try to just clamp it and see if that works.
 

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#6 ·
As I understand it, you disconnect that hose on the other end (at the tank), and take that to the bucket. Or you install a new, long piece of hose where you circled and run that to a bucket. I have not done it that way though. I posted the thread above because of the pictures he had of the Hydroboost hose and wanted to know if that matched your choice and location.

Image



As I said, I have just done the procedure by sucking out the fluid in the reservoir, filling it with new, then done a series of drains and re-fills. It works fine.
 
#8 ·
that return line should not gurgle fluid
the fluid is static unless the steering gear or brakes are demanding fluid

you may have your steering in a position that the gear is using fluid ( maybe wheels at an angle ?)
it is best to either jack the front end so tires are off the ground or atleast use soapy water on the ground to break friction when you go lock to lock on the steering and hold for a few at each stop
 
#12 ·
Easiest way is to pull that line off the hydroboost and put a hose on the nipple -- run that new hose to a container for waste
the original hose removed from the hydroboost should not have any flow, unless there is pressure in the reservoir -- cap should be off anyways for this flush
Turn the new oil container upside down in the fill neck of the reservoir -- this will fill to the top, but not run out (trapped air principle)

Pump the brake and fill the waste container - or - when the new oil bottle goes empty
Try not to run the reservoir dry, so as not to get air in the system
 
owns 2006 Ford F250 Lariat FX4
#15 ·
Easiest way is to pull that line off the hydroboost and put a hose on the nipple -- run that new hose to a container for waste
the original hose removed from the hydroboost should not have any flow,
that is what i did and in bold was my issue. it was spewing fluid when i turned on the truck.
pretty sure the res cap was off. i will try again tonight, weather permitting
 
#14 · (Edited)
Dunno, could look at that either way -- comms over the internet leave a lot for conjecture
Def should not be any flow from either end, unless the brake pedal is pushed -- if leaking from the hydro unit, then the seals are bad (or pedal is pushed)-- if leaking from the hose, then pressure in the reservoir -- cap should be off
 
owns 2006 Ford F250 Lariat FX4
#16 ·
I think he was doing the procedure correct as described in the OP, just may have left the reservoir cap on

There should be no flow from the hydro unit until the brake is pushed -- maybe a dribble
Fluid flows constantly thru the steering and hydro unit when the pump is running
the push on return line is just for the hydro unit when the brakes get released

The hydro return hose has it's own port on the reservoir -- separate from the steering return, so should be no interaction there

Need to add the magnetic filter to the hydro return line when you are done flushing -- Magnefine inline filter
cut the hose and add the filter up near the hydro unit
 
owns 2006 Ford F250 Lariat FX4
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#19 ·
this is the proper way and a video also
Jack up front of truck

Disconnect hydroboost return line to PS reservoir

Run a 3 foot length of 3/8" ID fuel hose over the left fender connected to the hydroboost return to PS pump port.

Using 4 feet of 3/8 OD vinyl tubing I ran some up the end of the fuel line hose and the other end into a catch container. This gives a good visibility of the fluid coming out.

Remove PS pump reservoir cap and replace with a long funnel to reach down to PS pump reservoir.

Top off PS pump reservoir to just below rim

Start truck

Work steering wheel from lock to lock a few times.

Check PS fluid level and add if needed.

Turn steering wheel fully to one side then press and release brake pedal five times. (Doesn't need to be a hard firewall hitting press. Stop-sign stop force is good.)

Top off PS fluid

Repeat the previous two steps until you have flushed system and fluid coming out is clean. (After 4 quarts it looked good and then I ran one more quart for good measure)

When you are just about done, remove the funnel from the PS pump reservoir. Use the PS reservoir cap to check the fluid level and ensure it is in to cold range. If it is overfull, hit the brake pedal once and recheck. Do this until the level is in the cold range.

Now you can go ahead and shut off the truck, disconnect the drain hose and reconnect the PS return hose. After next operation of truck re-check power steering fluid level and add as needed.
 
#23 ·
I'll make sure I have donuts and coffee when I do mine this summer.....