2000-2010 Ford Focus Power Steering Fluid Flush

[@terrytodd7162]

I am clueless with cars. When people ask me what kind of car I drive, I say a blue one. My son's power steering had been out for a long time and he just drove without power steering. One day I borrowed his car. I decided that I would see if the internet would tell me what to do. This worked and a clueless car person was able to do it. Thanks

[@MattStephensRich]

Terry Todd Glad I could be of help!

[@tybuchanan8962]

Matt! Thank you for the video! I went into Auto Zone and asked the sales guy which power steering fluid I needed. Told him what type of car I had and told me any type was good. I am glad I watched your video before I put their power steering fluid in the car.

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it could be of help! I have sadly burned power steering pumps in the past after using incorrect fluid.

[@ajgutierrez4712]

They told me the same thing at my auto zone! I bought what they said should work but haven't used it

[@enriquep.7558]

Thanks a lot. You really helped me today. I was using the wrong power steering fluid in my 2006 Ford Focus zx4 and watching this video made me learn something new today. I caught the issue on time and my car is running back to normal again👍🏻 Thanks dude! and God bless.

[@MattStephensRich]

glad to hear it!

[@jessicaneuwerth9600]

Thanks so much for this! My shop told me I needed a $160+ power steering fluid flush, but my dad mentioned the turkey baster method, so I figured I'd try it out. I lost my Ford manual years ago, so I asked at about three autoparts shops for the recommended power steering fluid for my Ford Focus, and all of them just pointed me to the standard stuff. Thankfully I found this video before going through with the change--I'll be heading back to the shop, returning the generic power steering fluid and getting the mercon 5 ATF. Phew.

[@MattStephensRich]

+Jessica Neuwerth Good catch Jessica! Glad this video was of help.

[@johnmitchell9270]

Going to try it. My 2008 focus started squealing and little hesitant turning after adding step power steering to it a couple of weeks later with little leaking on top of reservoir but still remained full. Wish me good thank you.

[@april4025]

Thank you for the clear explanation and easy to follow video, my steering is much easier now and I avoided a trip to the mechanic

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it helped!

[@judgerico5763]

Thanks bro I went to auto-zone and bought the exact same thing and just did it on my own and was so easy tbh. 👌🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad to hear it!

[@MikePietronRealtor]

Was offered this service for $79.99 at my last oil change, glad I said I’ll do it myself

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it helped!

[@raymonddunn9723]

My 04 focus uses Mercon ATF for the 2.0 liter SOC motor. You need to check the specifications page in your owners manual and the type fluid for the motor you have. It varies by motor.

[@The_Middle_The]

Thank you ! Im going to try this to safe on mechanic work and learn how to maintain a ford focus 2008

[@MattStephensRich]

Good luck!

[@Bigpimpin9393]

At 1:15 I see what you did there “see if we can get it to focus here” hahaha 🤣

[@MattStephensRich]

Love puns

[@Mrmmm88]

Excellent video! Outstanding tips. Easy to follow. Thanks a bunch

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it helped!

[@BuzzWorthySkate]

Mines been making some noises when I turn, I'm gonna check it today, thanks for making the video!

[@MattStephensRich]

+Steven Johnsen Glad it was of help!

[@sho2643]

Might 2 my dawh it's embarrassing

[@piemurplayz5426]

In my focus the reservoir is solid black with a solid black lid, I was looking for the power steering reservoir for like 10 solid mins before finding your video

[@brisa5104]

Omg thank you for making this video

[@MattStephensRich]

No problem 😊

[@freddyflintstoned913]

Great video. But, you did not flush or change all the fluid. You changed the fluid in the reservoir only. The rack and the lines are holding dirty fluid. To change more of the fluid do as Matt has shown but after you do this run the car and go lock to lock, turn the steering wheel all the way from left to right several times and than repeat. Repeat this process at least three times total for maximum fluid change. PS. I use a small vinyl hose and remove the fluid by siphoning. A 1/4" hose goes deeper into the reservoir.

[@bernabetijerina7104]

Do you have yo drive it around??.. or can i just turn on the engine amd turn the wheels lock to lock severals times and repeat the processes?

[@Engineer9736]

The owners manual of this car says that you have to check the level in a cold state. For taking out the liquid its ok to warm it up, but just take care that the level is OK after it has sat through a night or so. It’s advisable anyway to read the owners manual. KZbin videos are a nice addition for handy tricks, but the information in the official car manual is leading.

[@stanleymizerski1065]

hey....thanx a bunch....excellent video...very easy to understand you...thank again

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kmoore4896]

My car is a 2007 and got from Gresham Toyota here in Oregon and it's breaking down 😠😠 NOT putting anymore MONEY into this junk!! Now the car sounds like chewbacca when I'm starting to turn the steering wheel, Ughhhh! Been googling everything and came across this video! Thanks will be getting My items and getting this New fluid added!!!! ***People please take a mechanic with You if You don't know MUCH about cars, thinking about getting a, "New(er vehicle, some of these dealerships are SHADY and you'll be Out of Money and possible lawsuits for Their junk car!

[@heavymechanic2]

60K service should include a P/S fluid change with synthetic fluid, 30K with regular ATF. Its hard to find info on this but these are the general guidelines.

[@MattStephensRich]

That's a fair way to go at it - All Ford offers in the scheduled maintenance guide for the Focus is "check power steering fluid levels every 6 months." I always seem to have extra transmission fluid left after a fluid change, so that is when I look to also change the fluid on the power steering. For the Focus, Ford calls for a 60K interval on transmission fluid.

[@MissBELLE003]

When the fluids out dose it make a crazy sounds

[@MattStephensRich]

It should make a screeching noise, especially when the wheel is fully rotated.

[@katiemccrea8361]

I have an 09 kuga and can't find the steering fluid reservoir. From reading up alot of people say it doesn't ever need topping up but I find that hard to believe she's a decent car but still pretty old

[@MattStephensRich]

It doesn't hurt doing the flush!

[@MirmirJones]

I have a 2007 Ford Focus should I Use the same power steering fluid you have ?

[@MattStephensRich]

yup! I use Mercon V here - Mercon LV has been approved as replacement by Ford as well. :)

[@rudfil]

Im suddenly hearing a slight whine sometimes when I’m turning, is that low power steering fluid causing it? ( I havent checked yet.)

[@MattStephensRich]

Yup low fluid could be a culprit!

[@Slasherations]

also you don't need to change it every 30 thousand miles like some con artists are claiming (unless you haul things of course) but 100,000 or 200,000 is about right for cars and truck under normal conditions.

[@MattStephensRich]

+Slasherations Ford recommends a 60,000 change interval under normal conditions with this model of Focus, though you are perfectly able to push 100,000 so long as the transmission fluid color remains that nice ruby red.

[@marh4720]

Interesting video and helpful. Just a couple of questions, Is this the only way to change the power steering fluid? and second, I was looking your channel but I do not see a video about transmission fluid change, did you made one? (You said in a comment that that you will) :)

[@MattStephensRich]

MA RH this is the quick and easy way - it is possible to do a complete flush by disconnecting the hose line. That can be pretty cumbersome however, so I did want to show an easy way to get majority of the fluid flushed. :) And I do still plan to do a transmission fluid video - life has simply gotten in the way!

[@amyhenderson9738]

I also cannot find my owners manual, I have a 2000 Ford Focus, do I use the same fluid you showing the video?

[@MattStephensRich]

Here's a link for you: www.ford.com/support/vehicle/Focus/2000/owner-manuals/ It looks like they call for regular Ford Mercon ATF for your power steering.

[@ooosoo8727]

I thought the transmission itself actually takes Mercon LV fluid, not Mercon V fluid?

[@MattStephensRich]

This video was shot before Mercon V was released, and indeed the spec has been updated to recommend Mercon LV as suitable replacement.

[@LA_Commander]

The newer generation Foci, I believe 2011 or 2012 onwards, use an electric power steering assist. No pump, no hoses, no fluid. Please correct the title of your video.

[@MattStephensRich]

Appreciate the flag!

[@fershol86]

I’m worried that I can’t do this because yes my fluid is black but it’s gotten to the point where it will not steer full left and full right at all to flush out

[@MattStephensRich]

Might be time for the mechanic.

[@brysonkeating391]

What about the transmission fluid I have a 2000 and this video helped and that's my next task.

[@MattStephensRich]

I'll be doing a transmission fluid change later this year. Gratefully, it is a rather easy process - the only difficult part is taking off the bolts for the transmission fluid pan and removing the gasket (I used a paint scrapper to help break the seal). There are a number of other good videos on KZbin that can help out.

[@angierules1224]

What is that hose on top of the lid? Mine is torn on the 2007 Ford focus

[@luckimom3]

Matt, does the 2015 ford focus have an electric power steering pump and does it have hoses?

[@MattStephensRich]

I believe there should be the hosing still.

[@LA_Commander]

The newer Foci all have electronic power steering. No hoses, no pump, no fluid.

[@robertramirez8143]

Hey bud, I have a 2009 Ford focus. Do I have to do the same processes as you demonstrated? Like warming up the car, changing the fluid every few weeks ect??

[@MattStephensRich]

Would recommend the same process for sure, regardless of make and model. 😊

[@robertramirez8143]

@@MattStephensRich thank you, sir 🙏

[@robertramirez8143]

@@MattStephensRich Uhmm.. Matt, I'm sorry for the bother bro XD but if the fluid turns black after doing the first change and driving, do I change it again in a couple of days or still wait a few weeks (don't think its been changed for the past 2 hand me downs)

[@MattStephensRich]

I’d go ahead and change again now, and continue to keep an eye on it. While regular motor oil will darken pretty quickly in engine operation (which means it’s doing its job to capture deposits), the power steering fluid shouldn’t be picking up as much deposit and changing color as quickly.

[@robertramirez8143]

@@MattStephensRich kool, kool. Well thx man, I really appreciate the teachings, master 🔥🙏🔥 God bless

[@nrvisuals9047]

I’ve got a focus 2016 I’ve been using a universal power steering fluid if I flush this out and use a Mercon v fluid will be ok?

[@MattStephensRich]

Correct! To that end, specifically look for Mercon LV, which has preceded Mercon V by spec.

[@Rotc-jumper311]

I have a 2011 focus ses. Do I use the same fluid? I cant find the owner's manual

[@MattStephensRich]

yup!

[@carolcastro7313]

2.0 duratec :-) pentosin chf 202

[@son_zon5576]

Video was very helpful

[@MattStephensRich]

Glad it was helpful!

[@redking4887]

Is gearbox oil the same stuff?

[@MattStephensRich]

In this case, we are using transmission fluid (Mercon V in the video, which has since been updated to Mercon LV), if that's the "gearbox" your referring to. Crankcase or other differentials (which could also be "gearbox") can take different specs of oil.

[@haylees4947]

Thanks for the video! I bought mercon type F ATF. That will work? It says for older Ford videos.

[@MattStephensRich]

Double check your manual to be doubly sure on exact spec - type F doesn’t work for this car. 😊

[@haylees4947]

@@MattStephensRich it doesn’t say anything specific… literally just says mercon

[@MattStephensRich]

If it’s this same type of Focus; Mercon V or Mercon LV would be in spec.

[@JavierOliva440]

I appreciate you taking the time to post this video but it is NOT FLUSHING fluid from your system it is only changing a small amount of the Power Steering fluid. It would be helpful if you don't mislead people with the title of your video.

[@MattStephensRich]

This is why I recommended repeating the process to continue teasing out more fluid. :)

[@fahq337]

Do you keep the car running while taking the fluid out?

[@MattStephensRich]

You can, but don't necessarily have to. With this approach, you're basically siphoning off fluid from the reservoir, so engine doesn't need to be running.

[@fahq337]

Thanks!

[@MattStephensRich]

You bet!

[@oscarjones5773]

Do these have a trans cooler? If so just pull the return line with the car running and turn the wheels back and fourth with someone filling from top at the same time.

[@roadsurfer7294]

wrong ! what about the remaining fluid in side pump and lines?

[@MattStephensRich]

This is why I recommended cycling a few times. 🙂

[@dailyconfusion7222]

Where does the ground from the negative battery cable go I got the one on the chasis

[@MattStephensRich]

Ultimately grounds into the chassis - typically you look to connect negative grounds to chassis, engine, or other steel framing on the car.

[@Mindful14]

Good info,how about a removal/installation video of a 2000 Focus DOHC power steering pump. Could use it asap. Thanks.

[@MattStephensRich]

I do these videos as maintenance come due on the Ford Focus. Ideally, I will not need to replace the power steering pump as I have replaced the fluid, but there are still a number of great videos out there on pump replacement.

[@pfsantos007]

Thumbs up, but technically not a flush.

[@MattStephensRich]

Maybe consider this the 2 minute poor man's flush? I used this technique on my previous Ford Taurus which went 250,000 miles on the original steering pump.

[@shelbywalton7133]

Ok so would I need to do a flush or just take it to a mechanic cause my power steering fluid gets a pink foam on top when the car is on and the steering wheel is hard to turn and like the fluid isn't getting where it should be?

[@MattStephensRich]

Recommend taking it in, as foam would indicate the fluid is getting airated somehow.

[@Wakeupbabyjohnson]

My 2015 Ford Focus does not have this power steering cap or reservoir

[@LA_Commander]

That's because the newer generation Foci have electronic power steering

[@That4.3Sierra]

On my 05, its located in the back of the engine bay

[@throughdude23]

If you use a pump style extractor you can connect it to the return hose and suck out any old fluid while adding new fluid. Then you won't have to do multiple passes.

[@MattStephensRich]

True true!

[@cryptoking1461]

2012 does not have a reservoir it all is sealed in a rack and pinion

[@samanthaskorka2212]

so I have a leak somewhere, and it goes bone dry by the end of the day, just to get by, you're saying I put castrol transmax mercon 5 ATF INSTEAD of something like prestone PS fluid stop leak?

[@MattStephensRich]

That's what the manual calls for - Mercon V. You can try stop leak, but be warned that if the additive throws the viscosity off on the power steering fluid, you can run the risk of burning out the power steering pump. (Learned from experience) It would probably be best to simply replace your power steering.

[@LadiDy627]

You put transmission fluid into your power steering resovior?

[@bayfinest1938]

Yes

[@MattStephensRich]

Indeed - Mercon *is* the power steering fluid here.

[@bayfinest1938]

@@MattStephensRich Is the return line big hose or the small hose ?

[@bayfinest1938]

@@MattStephensRich from the reservoir

[@marianc7333]

Good video, but I did not find marcon V at the local store, they recommended me hydraulic oil is same? And another thing they said to put the same color but it's green but in my tank it's yellow

[@MattStephensRich]

For the colors, I think you might be thinking of coolant? (which is a comparable color). Mercon V is still recommended for the Power Steering Fluid, though Mercon LV has recently also been specced for this model of Ford Focus. You can also check the back of other "import" transmission fluids, as a few still meet spec.

[@rangersasc]

ok but this is not a flush it is a dilute

[@xomonti]

Where is it on the 2015 version it’s literally not there

[@zafrann123]

Focus 2011 onwards has electronic power steering. It doesnt have a pump after 2011, the title is wrong

[@Slasherations]

dont let anyone flush or "reverse flush" your transmission. it is never necessary. drop the pan, take off the filter and then let it drain. put on a new filter then add the appropriate kind and amount of fluid back in. you are now done and have no transmission problems caused by flushing/ reverse flushing silt into your filter and possibly clogging the valves. flushing is a sales tactic to make you spend more money. trucks may need the transmission fluid and filter changed more often if they aren't just for show. (anything that tows or does a lot of hauling.) anyone who tells you this is the "oldschool way" of dealing with the transmission is full of shit.

[@MattStephensRich]

+Slasherations Very true - I will be doing a transmissions fluid swap soon for the Focus. For the power steering pump however, flushes are ok, as that is your only option for changing fluid. (There is also no filter involved)

[@MattStephensRich]

+Jude Boham You can definitely top it up. Though I'd be concerned on where the transmission is going/leaking to - consider that the transmission isn't "burning" fuel, such as how one can lose oil in the engine; so there may be a leak causing your level to be low.

[@MattStephensRich]

Ford doesn't offer any insight to this in their recommended maintenance schedule. Worst case, you would wait until the fluid loses its red color. However, the easiest thing to do would be change the steering fluid when you are also changing transmission fluid.

[@nico100579yout]

With your method , you managed to take out 25% of entire fluid . When steering fluid is old , you need to take out from entire sistem . By flush out , you need to take all fluid out from entire system . So you should inform all that you do just half of the job.

[@MattStephensRich]

Hence the name “flush”. Gratefully power steering system remains in great performing condition on this car.

[@christopherpinto884]

What fluid should i use ??? Can anyone tell me brand and name thanks

[@MattStephensRich]

Anything marked as Mercon V. :)

[@Engineer9736]

Rotating your steering wheel while not driving is very very bad for your tires. So after this liquid change you can go to the tire store...

[@MattStephensRich]

A few turns of the wheel is not going to create a bald spot on the tire, no more than when you turn your wheel to get out of regular parking spaces 🙂

[@BurtzMusic]

Why do you uses transmission fluid ..? On power steering

[@MattStephensRich]

Believe it or not, many auto manufacturers use transmission fluid for power steering as well. This is out of convenience, so that the drive need only worry about one type of fluid for both the steering and transmission. Be warned, not using Mercon V in a Ford Focus can cause the power steering pump to fail. I have personal experience with this in my previous Ford Taurus.

[@lastminute4154]

burt and

[@jimdavidson5208]

You are doing it wrong. Raise front wheels off ground fully with jack stands. Remove low side hose and plug port as you did. Add longer hose to low side hose to reach catch pan. Turn wheel lock to lock 10-15 times. Refill two or three times doing that. Or until you see clean fluid coming out. So now clean fluid is through the steering rack and reservoir. Reconnect low side hose to reservoir. Top off fluid. Turn wheel lock to lock 10 more times. Keep fluid at the full cold mark. This bleeds the air out of the system. Start engine and crank wheel lock to lock 10 more times. Check fluid level. Lower car and check for leaks. Should be golden.

[@MattStephensRich]

Indeed, that is a full drain. This is why I describe this as a flush that will not remove all the fluid. :)

[@PeterMeixllovesdogs]

Matt Stephens-Rich so how would you do a transmission flush with your turkey baster? or flush the toilet? I think this is a great video for people that have too many turkey basters and would like limited results Matt.

[@MattStephensRich]

... well you wouldn't, because a transmission flush requires dropping the pan. I'll be releasing that video some time this month.

[@ffdharani]

Good video. Just one problem and a major one at that. I own the exact same Ford focus 2007 ses. I checked my owners manual and it turns out that it uses mercon atf, NOT mercon v. You might want to recheck your manual.

[@MattStephensRich]

Mercon V is interchangeable with the T-2-QDX Mercon ATF called for in the owner's manual - Mercon V has actually been categorized by Ford to supersede Mercon ATF. What's more, it is very difficult to find T-2-QDX Mercon ATF at all in auto parts stores, etc. You are safe with Mercon V. :)

[@ffdharani]

Oh okay. Thanks for the info. Just curious as to where u found this info? I combed the internet and could not find anything on the topic.

[@keybearer26]

Farhaan Dharani Mercon Actually discontinued the use of Mercon ATF back 2007 on July 1st in favor for Mercon V. Unfortunately the manuals had already been printed for the 2007 model

[@lastminute4154]

Farhaan Dharani ..

[@drewtorre7717]

I only managed to get 4 OZ out even after turning the wheel multiple times :(

[@MattStephensRich]

That’s still ok! The priority is getting fresh fluid in, not all fluid out.

[@ethandewall2358]

Your just removing power steering from the resivor your not flushing it

[@MattStephensRich]

A flush is adding new fluid, no?

[@kamryn7496]

Ford Focus from 2012 an up have electric power steering

[@kamryn7496]

Kandice Farley u can see if u look behind the engine u can see the electric motor on the rack n pinion I got 2015 focus an u can see it behind the engine

[@kamryn7496]

Kandice Farley the electric power steering motor is probably bad I’d suggest taking it to a shop to get it fixed as they can be difficult to replace

[@joshuaseverson6706]

I was only able to get a little bit out of my mazda

[@MattStephensRich]

That is true, this is not a true drain, but minor flush. If you want to get more fluid out, it would be good to repeat a number of times.

[@Dontreadme]

my 2013 ford focus doesn't have a place for power steering fluid so i am fucked

[@Sasquatch1s3r]

How did you manage to solve it?

[@zafrann123]

Mines the same as yours. 2011 onwards dont have a pump they have electronic power steering. The titles wrong, my cars fucked too lol start with changing your battery. Otherwise a new steering rack is 💰💰💰💰

[@davidak0496]

Mfs made my power steering case black so you cant see the fill line🫤

[@MattStephensRich]

One thing you can do is hang a wire or coat hanger from the top, and measure from the top!

[@jamesmahle1259]

1. You should never use transmission fluid in a power steering system, any proficient mechanic will tell you same. 2. When you only remove fluid from the reservoir, you will then mix in new power steering fluid with old. don't make videos if you don't know what your doing.

[@MattStephensRich]

You’re welcome to double check the manual if you’re interested on the spec, page 218. www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/07focog4e.pdf Ford recommends Mercon for Power Steering, which was then superseded by Mercon V in 2007. 😊

[@curiosity2314]

Well... The idea here is good... Mercon... Get a synthetic fluid like Amsoil universal fluid. Get Mercon out of your tranny too... Trying to be nice here... Either get the engine steam cleaned or clean it yourself... It's about presentation... I like you work here but your engine is dirty! Just need to clean it yearly.

[@MattStephensRich]

Mercon V is designed specifically by Ford for Ford vehicle applications. I like to stick to OEM recommended fluids. Engines are also designed to be dirty. A clean engine will run just as well as a dirty engine fresh off the Baja. Some folks enjoy cleaning them, but I am more concerned with being sure that it runs properly and meets its performance needs. Rather, I am concerned with the cleanliness of the car body, to offset the threat of rust for as long as possible.

[@shadowboybass]

thats is very bad !!! cood luck

[@MattStephensRich]

Bad how so?

[@vincevasquez8741]

The reservoir on my 06 is black and there are no min or max lines...

[@MattStephensRich]

give it a wipe down, it could be hidden underneath grime and grit. :)