Replacing the power steering fluid in your Ford F250
is easier than you think. All you need to do is drain the old fluid from the reservoir and fill it with new Mercon fluid. In Ford F250s, the power steering reservoir has a black cap and a depiction of a steering wheel. It might be time to replace your power steering fluid if it’s hard to turn your steering wheel or if your vehicle starts making strange noises. While this may seem like an intimidating task—don’t worry; it's a cinch with this guide from Jerry
, the car insurance
broker and super app
. Together, we’ll go over everything you need to know: how to replace your F250’s power steering fluid, which brand you should be using, and how to tell it's time for a swap. For an extra treat, we’ll show you how to use our app for some serious insurance savings! Let’s get at it!
How do I replace my 2018 Ford F50’s power steering fluid?
Luckily, swapping the power steering fluid in a Ford F250 is pretty straightforward. Follow these steps:
Find the power steering reservoir. There should be a black cap with a picture of a yellow steering wheel under the hood. It should be on the driver’s side
Remove the black cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. You can use several household pumps—a turkey baster or a shampoo pump will work just fine
Pump out the old power steering fluid. Stick your pump inside the reservoir and get to work—don’t forget a container to catch the old fluid
Replace the old fluid and close the cap
And there you have it—easy peasy! Once you're swapped the power steering fluid on your Ford F250, you’re ready to roll. If you want to level up your fluid replacement and do a flush like a shop would do, you’ll need to follow a couple of extra steps:
Disconnect the fluid line
Turn the steering wheel back and forth. This will fully drain the steering system so the old fluid is completely flushed out
If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always take your Ford to a mechanic. Let’s consider some advantages and disadvantages.
Should I replace it myself or take it into the shop?
It all comes down to this: if you’d rather have the peace of mind that your replacement was done perfectly, there’s nothing wrong with taking your Ford to a repair shop. Trained mechanics should be able to replace your power steering fluid in about an hour, and you’ll pay about $150.
However, if you’d like to expend some elbow grease to save some cash, there’s no harm in trying this yourself! You’ll need to pay about $10 to $20 for power steering fluid, but you won’t be paying the shop’s labor fees.
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2018 Ford F250?
There are tons of options when it comes to choosing a replacement power steering fluid. Ford recommends Mercon LV ATF fluid, but we think we get the best bang for our buck using Prestone American Vehicle PSF
. It also works well in other brands like Ford
, Chrysler
, and Jeep
. | | |
|---|
Prestone American Vehicle PSF | | |
Peak Full Synthetic North American | | |
| | |
| | |
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Pro Tip Whatever power steering fluid you choose, make sure it's compatible with North American vehicles!
When do I need to replace my 2018 Ford F250’s power steering fluid?
You should replace your power steering fluid every 75,000 miles or every two years—whichever comes first. This will make sure your steering wheel turns smoothly and your steering system is healthy.
However, you might need to replace your fluid ahead of schedule. If you notice any of these signs, its likely time for a swap:
Jarring noises
—such as screeching—when you turn the steering wheelBubbles in the power steering reservoir
Any leaks from the reservoir
Color change from red to brown
Not only does maintenance
of your steering system improve your driving experience, but it also prolongs your Ford’s lifespan! How to save money on Ford insurance
If you’re all work and no play these days, you could probably use a little extra wiggle room in your monthly budget (and who doesn’t these days?); we can help you out!
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our super app
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without compromising coverage on your Ford. Just sign up, and in 45 seconds, you’ll have custom quotes from the nation’s top insurance companies at your fingertips. Jerry’s team will even help you switch policies without a single phone call or exhausting form. Even better, the average Jerry user saves $800 or more on car insurance!
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