How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2010 Ford Fusion
You can replace your 2010 Ford Fusion power steering fluid by removing the reservoir cap, pumping the old fluid, and pouring in new fluid.
Written by Bee Davis
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
You can replace the power steering fluid in your 2010 Ford Fusion by draining the old fluid from the reservoir under your hood. Replace the fluid with Motorcraft ATF to get the best result from your Ford.
If you’re having issues with your steering wheel (resistance when turning, stiffness, ungodly noises, etc.) you may need to change your
Ford
’s power steering fluid. Just like with your wiper fluid and coolant, changing your power steering fluid is an easy task with a cheap price tag.In this guide from
Jerry
, the super app for insurance savings
, we’ll teach you how to find your power steering reservoir on your 2010 Ford Fusion, how to replace your fluid, and some good fluid brands that work well with Ford engines. Plus, we'll drop some hints that could save you hundreds on Ford Fusion insurance costs
.Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds (Title in payload)
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow do I replace my 2010 Ford Fusion’s power steering fluid?
Thankfully, replacing power steering fluid in a 2010 Ford Fusion is pretty easy to do yourself. Here are the steps:
- Locate the power steering reservoir. The power steering fluid reservoir is against the firewall on the passenger side of the engine compartment. It should look like a white plastic jug.
- Remove the cap. Your power steering fluid reservoir should have a black cap that you will remove to insert fluid.
- Pump out the old fluid. Use a different container to catch the old fluid you remove.
- Add new fluid and replace the cap.
And that’s all it takes! But if you’re a real grease monkey, you can take your steering fluid replacement to the next level with some extra steps:
- Disconnect the fluid line.
- Drain the system completely. Wiggle your steering wheel back and forth a bit to drain the last of the fluid in your system.
Voilà! Your power steering fluid is up to date. If you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty, you can always take your Ford to a repair shop or mobile mechanic.
Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
Here’s the bottom line: if you want to make absolutely sure that your fluid replacement is done correctly, there’s no harm in taking your car to a repair shop. They can perform a
power steering fluid service
in an hour or less, and it’ll probably cost you around $120. If you’re confident in your basic car maintenance skills, though, it’s much cheaper to do this job yourself. Power steering fluid off the shelf at an auto or hardware store costs around $10 to $20. The following are some of our top picks for power steering fluid.
MORE:
Ford lug pattern guide
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2010 Ford Fusion?
Ford recommends that drivers use ATF for their vehicle’s power steering. ATF stands for Automatic Transmission Fluid; it uses a special chemical blend that works better for Ford and
Chrysler
cars specifically. Here’s a breakdown of popular ATF brands and their cost.Power steering fluid | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Motorcraft Mercon ATF | 1 quart | $12.99 |
Valvoline Multi-Vehicle ATF | 1 quart | $9.99 |
Idemitsu Type HP ATF | 1 quart | $13.49 |
Pentosin ATF 44 | 5 liters (170 ounces) | $71.99 |
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Are you overpaying for your car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds
4.717k Ratings5M+Drivers Joined
7M+Cars Garaged
When do I need to replace my 2010 Ford Fusion’s power steering fluid?
In general, you should aim to replace your Ford Fusion’s power steering fluid every 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This will allow your Fusion’s steering wheel to operate smoothly and with ease.
You may need to change your power steering fluid early if your steering wheel starts giving you trouble. Common symptoms of needing a steering fluid change are:
- A groaning sound from your power steering pump or steering gear
- Squeaking or grinding noises when you turn the wheel
- Difficulty turning the steering wheel
- Leaking fluid
- Bubbles in the fluid
- Fluid color change from red to brown or black
Any strange noises or new resistance from the wheel warrants checking your fluid levels. Remember, power steering fluid doesn’t just make driving easier. It also lengthens the lifespan of your car!
Key Takeaway Ford vehicles work well with ATF power steering fluid. Don’t hesitate to change your fluid as soon as you notice difficulty steering—this will save you a lot of money in the long run.
How to save money on Ford insurance
If you want to continue to treat your Ford Fusion right, why not make sure you have the best insurance coverage at an affordable rate?
Jerry
’s mission is to make sure your car insurance policy isn’t ripping you off. In two minutes or less, Jerry's trustworthy super app
can pull up your current insurance policy and gather customized quotes for your desired coverage level. Once you see a new policy you like, just tap to switch and Jerry will get to work switching you over!
“My speeding ticket raised my insurance to $310/month.Jerrygot me full comprehensive coverage on two vehicles for $144/month through Progressive. I definitely recommend giving them a try.” —Brandon D.
Can I replace the power steering fluid in my 2010 Ford Fusion myself?
Yes! You can change your power steering fluid in the same way you change your wiper fluid and coolant. Just pop the hood, locate your power steering reservoir, and pump the old fluid out to replace it.
How often should I replace my 2010 Ford Fusion’s power steering fluid?
Power steering fluid should be replaced every 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. But it’s a good idea to check your power steering reservoir or top it off every 3-4 years or so.
Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™
Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.
4.7
