Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

[steelblue5505]

Today while getting my 05's oil changed it was suggested to me that I should have both the brake fluid & the power steering fluid changed.

Why? I asked.

Because your car has 56,600 miles on it. Was the reply I was given.

I did not get these fluids changed.

My question to you all, should have done this? Does brake fluid & power steering oil become worn out? Is 56K the expected life of these fluids?

Need some guidance here.

[CoastieN70]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

Brake and power stearing fluid are not filtered and do get dirty and aquire moisture. Have brake fluid purged when you have your brake pads changed and change yous power stearing fluid changed when it looks dirty or brownish

[15AGAIN]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

I did both at 100K miles

[Blubrd]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

I did a brake flush on my 2002 this past fall and the fluid was really dirty at only 30,000 miles. It isn't in my maintenance guide, however the suggested maintenance schedule at my local dealer said it was time. I guess I should inquire about the power steering as well. By the way, a recent copy of Auto Enthusiast magasine suggests a complete flush every two years!

[003T]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

Since brake fluid does collect moisture it is a good idea to have it flushed once in a while. How often??? I guess it depends on a bunch of things. Do you drive it in the rain much? Does it have a lot of miles on it? Has it ever been done before? Do you live in a humid climate? Has the fluid turned black? Moisture can lead to corroded brake pistons and rotted brake lines from the inside. I have flushed brake fluid from some of the vehicles I have owned and not from others. I will probably do it on my 16,000 mi. 03 Thunderbird this summer. It's new to me and still up for the winter. I doubt it was ever done. As for the power steering, I've never done that one. You can bleed brakes but I have never seen a way to flush the power steering system.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

As for the power steering, I've never done that one. You can bleed brakes but I have never seen a way to flush the power steering system.

Wynn's Power Steering System Flush Service

[2DRBRD]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

To flush the power steering simply remove the return hose at the pump reservoir and allow it to drain into a container, then while refilling the reservoir have someone start the car and turn the steering wheel lock to lock a couple times. Shut off the engine, reconnect the return hose, add a 4-oz. bottle of Ford's rear axle locking lubricant, and refill the systerm with the proper fluid. Start the vehicle again and turn the wheel fully lock to lock to bleed any air in the system. Recheck fluid level and add as needed.

[DavidA]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

What does the locking lube do?

[BUCK ROGERS]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

I change PS Fluid whenever I change Tranny Fluid on all my cars... & yes Merc V is fine in our Ford PS Systems even though Manual specs the old school Mercon (as does the Fan Pump on 2002's) - General rule of thumb is that Brake Fluid should be changed every 2 years regardless of Miles or Pad Wear but with more & more Pads lasting 30K instead of 50K Flushing at Pad changes is fine IMO - I think if you had a Garage Queen in a dehumified space you could extend that 2 year period to at least 3-4 years.

[BUCK ROGERS]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

What does the locking lube do?

- Specified to be added to Mercon Fluid per TSB to reduce PS Pump squeal - Personally I just use Mercon V & no additive.

[yelobird2002]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

DavidA, Locking fluid is a anti-friction additive added to Limited Slip Differentials.

[Gobird]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

My thinking is I''ll have this done when I hit 100,000 along with changing plugs and Cops. Right now I don't have any problems at 83,000 miles so I think it will be OK till I hit the 100,000 mile mark.

[Rondor]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

Until recently I never kept a car long enough to worry about steering and brake fluids. Most of my older cars didn't have power steering and brakes were completely replaced during rebuild. My SL Mercedes was the first I had recommended to me but it was done right before I bought it. I am thinking on the T-Bird I will do bothe around 75-80 K miles If I keep my expedition I guess I'll be doing it soon

[2DRBRD]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

THE ADDITIVE: Reduces friction and eliminates P.S. pump noises. Local dealer always added it with every flush, pump, or rack repair. It's optional, but I think well worth the price and as good as any steering additive we've seen.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Brake Fluid & Power Steering Fluid Change

You may want to reference to service bulletin # 4-10-1
At this link http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ead.php?t=5812

In it you will see the following:

STEERING—STEERING GEAR SQUEAK WHEN Article No.
TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL DURING LOW 04-10-1
SPEED PARKING MANEUVERS
FORD: 2003-2004 THUNDERBIRD
LINCOLN: 2003-2004 LS, AVIATOR
ISSUE 6. Lower vehicle.
Some vehicles may exhibit steering gear squeak 7. In a clean container Mix 50 ml (10 teaspoons
when turning the steering wheel, especially during or 1.7 oz.) of Motorcraft Additive Friction
low speed parking maneuvers. The noise may Modifier part number XL-3, with 50 ml of
sound like it is coming from the steering column Motorcraft Mercon ATF, part number
area and may be felt as a roughness in the XT-2-QDX.
steering wheel, while turning.
NOTE
ACTION DO NOT PERFORM STEPS 8 AND 9 ON A HOT
To service, combine Motorcraft Additive Friction VEHICLE.
Modifier (XL-3), with Motorcraft Mercon ATF
(XT-2-QDX) as described, and add to the power 8. Pour the above mixture into the power steering
steering reservoir. Refer to the following Service reservoir.
Procedure.
9. Top off (fill) the power steering system with
SERVICE PROCEDURE Motorcraft Mercon ATF, part number XT-2-QDX
and reinstall the power steering reservoir cap.
NOTE
USE ONLY THE FLUID AND ADDITIVE 10. Raise vehicle on hoist enough so the front
SPECIFIED IN THIS ARTICLE. USING ANY wheels are off the ground and can be turned
OTHER FLUIDS OR ADDITIVES MAY RESULT IN from lock to lock.
SEAL DETERIORATION AND LEAKS.