How to Change Power Steering Pump Fluid in a Mustang

Power-steering fluid is vital to the proper operation of a Mustang's steering system. Old fluid can result in increased difficulty in steering, and may require you to replace the power-steering pump itself if its internal seals wear out. The fluid on a Mustang's power-steering pump should be checked every 6,000 miles and replaced if the fluid is dirty and contaminated.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Funnel
• Drip pan
• Flathead screwdriver

1. Open the hood of the Mustang to reveal the engine.

2. Locate the power-steering pump. On a Mustang, it is located toward the front of the engine on the driver's side, and is approximately 1 foot in diameter.

3. Locate the two hoses that are attached to the rear of the pump. Note that one hose is larger in diameter than the other.

4. Place a small drip pan under the power-steering pump.

5. Remove the smaller of the two hoses you identified in Step 3 by using a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp that secures the hose to the pump and pulling the hose away from the pump.

6. Allow the fluid to drain from the rear of the pump into the drip pan. Then replace the hose and secure it with the clamp that was loosened in Step 5.

7. Remove the power-steering pump's dipstick. On a Mustang, it is located at the top of the pump.

8. Place a funnel into the dipstick tube and fill the pump with the power-steering fluid.

9. Insert the pump's dipstick, then withdraw it and check the fluid level by looking at the marks at the tip. The fluid should be between the "Add" and "Full" marks.

10. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from side to side.

11. Turn off the engine and check the fluid again. Add fluid if necessary.

Who Can Help Sponsored