How To: Power Steering Flush on 7.3L/6.0L Powerstroke (HydroBoost)

[@luckyred1818]

When the video started aimed at the brake res i was thinking, oh man, this will b entertaining!

[@galenvera]

I had a pressure line holes burst on me 2 days ago and I replaced it with a Ford part. A hundred dollars later it squeeled like a pig and after seeing your vid I had hope again. I just flushed the system and bleed it, MAN its like a brand new truck again. I want to say thanks for your vid it really helped me out.

[@DashcamMania1]

Just did mine today with Mobil 1 thanks to this video. Honestly, the hardest part was getting the spring clamp undone and done again in the right spot. My pump was howling like a wolf after taking a hard turn. Now, it's back to nice and quiet again. Super simple process, not overly messy, just put some towels under your hose connection and you're good to go! Did by myself, about 6 lock to lock turns, about 10 brake pumps, and still under 2 quarts total. Old fluid wasn't terrible looking, but also at least 10 years old. Cost of tubing was about $2.50, used old gallon milk jug for catch can, and Mobil 1 ATF from Pep Boys at about $7 a quart.

[@Justin-jt1ft]

Lllll KK n mm r Tru í⁷ûûioopooí886 keep ⁿp pp😅😅😅😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@rdorrel]

Good video. I'm a retired hydraulic guy with over 30 years experience I can appreciate how you stressed to keep oil in the pump. Other videos posted allow and encourage people to run the pump until dry. When you hear the pump growling (cavitation) it's sucking air instead of oil. This causes lack of lubrication under pressure and induces air in the system. Now it's time to flush my Duramax. Thanks,

[@escalanteam186]

Thank you very much for making this video so well explained, Thanks again

[@TruckStuff1]

Glad to help!

[@agmobb99]

Thanks a lot for making these videos. For a new super duty owner like myself they are a tremendous help.

[@MrMajikman1]

Great video! Very detailed in step by step procedure. Just did mine on a 2001 F350 7.3 Old fluid looked more grayish but probably because power steering fluid added to system. Took me 3 quarts to see completely red with clear hose. Brakes nice and hard, but power steering pump still whining. Guess it's time for a new power steering pump!

[@TruckStuff1]

Yep! That power steering fluid probably didn't help!

[@davidsanchez5995]

thank you very much for share this info with us I was in the city and I couldn't even turn my will and my brakes wasn't working at all I run to the nearest store to buy the automatic transmission fluid and i did at place where i was at myself. my truck runs really good once again thank you very much

[@Keepin-it-wheel101]

My initial bleeding process was wrong I introduced air to the hydroboost creating a vacuum so now I have air in the hydrobooster. I also changed the power steering pump and both seals to the hydroboost. It was leaking and this is where all my saga started

[@reallystrangebuttrue]

Thank you for posting this video! Perfect details and thank you for the tip I had a hose that ran all the way down, made it nice and clean. You saved me a fortune and made my truck feel & sound like new again. No more play in the steering wheel, solid breaks, and you can't hear the steering pump at all.

[@rci30]

Cleaned up my HOWLING noise with just 2.5 quarts. I need to siphon out the reservoir still but WOW, what a Huge improvement. It purrs now and noticeable grip now. If you are experiencing this noise, FLUSH NOW. Use synthetic, no brainer.

[@Springerpop]

Looks good, Trey! This should be real helpful to newcomers. -Pop-

[@carl2591]

hey trey finally got around to doing the PS fluid deal.. I did it just like you showed but when my helper turned steering wheel i got no fluid in bucket.. so i had her pump the brakes at a slow steady pace and that seemed to do the trick.. I used a braided line so able to see the stuff coming out and put the clamp on but still got some leakage from somewhere.. i did over flow the thing a couple time. . mine, 2003 PS, only took about 2.5 qts till i got new fluid. My filter is stock so i remove the top housing and hose to the crank vent connection part and just left off during operation. I could see turbo wheel spinning but at idle there was no sound. put my hand close and man can you feel the air flow.. all in all it worked like a charm.. thanks for the good instruction.

[@PatrickBaptist]

Yeah I am about to do this on my 2000 F350, it almost has half a million miles on it.

[@Renrondog]

Meh, what's the rush?

[@kevingaudreau7527]

wow what colour is it

[@NAHFord]

"Going to get a drink or something now, maybe a donut" typical firefighter, we are almost as bad as cops LOL. Thanks for the informative vids brother. Keep it up.

[@TheMborax]

Great video! Well explained, well shot..straightforward and concise, well done! Thanks! Off to get my fluid and tubing.

[@fishlips6598]

Video definitely is exactly what I needed thank you for your help

[@TruckStuff1]

Glad to help

[@nateintx4098]

I am about to do this procedure tomorrow on my 2000 F350 7.3 due to an accidental puncture of my power steering cooler. I was able to JB Weld the cracked inlets where the hoses attach to the cooler. I was only able to find Valvoline Max Life full synthetic at WalMart for about $17 for a gallon. I also punctured my AC condenser at the same time but found a used condenser, 31 row transmission cooler and a power steering cooler from a 2004 6.0 F250 at the local salvage yard for $150.

[@TheIronaddiction]

Nice video, it was very informative. I'm getting ready to do mine this week when my Redhead steering box gets here. Thanks for your video.

[@alexandernevins4671]

Hows that red head steering box holding up? Looking to put one in my 06 6.0 Powerstroke.

[@mokiepoet]

Thanks so much for the video-very informative! My truck is whining, the steering is stiff, the brakes a bit mushy and the fluid is brown. I will try this and hope it helps!!

[@MrMunchiemo]

I have been using power steering fluid in my 2000 7.3. I hope I did not mess anything up. You said to use transmission fluid in it right? Also I have a leak that I have been having to add the fluid to every other week. I am thinking about replacing the whole thing what brand would you buy if it was you?

[@lorijones8156]

great vid,will be doing this tomorrow,thanks,steve

[@_trucklife]

Thanks man! very good Video, nice and detailed!

[@TruckStuff1]

Thanks man!

[@davidfloyd4764]

I did mine today, what a difference it is after..Thanks brother

[@eprn1n2]

The only time fluid came out when I did it was when I pushed the brake pedal.

[@carl2591]

great info. thanks.. could you not plug the hose you took off to connect the hose in bucket. that would keep the spray down. just asking. ps what does pumping the brakes do.. i could see the fluid jump when you pumped the brake but i was thinking the brake and PS system were separate..

[@2packs4sure]

Do you know how much you can pump out before it runs too low? Pint, 2 pints ....... quart? Thanks so much for this video. I was mighty Vac~ing 4 oz. at a time and soon realized it was gonna take a decade!

[@TeamWagy]

Also you said when you take the drain hose back off it gets atf everywhere, a good pair of clamp off pliers will fix most of that. I don't know if thats the correct name for them lol.

[@RandoPandaSmiles]

Is this an effective means for removing pre-existing air that got into the steering system? Is that why you are doing the flush? Or is it just a good idea to do this periodically for maintenance? Forgive my ignorance! And thanks for posting.

[@bigtREE-k]

Thanks for sharing with US buddy I think my 04 6.0 diesel needs this job done as well

[@joepolk2965]

Thanks dude! for the help.

[@TruckStuff1]

Glad to help!

[@dustylunde]

Thanks for the video buddy, you saved me from having to put in a new pump. It was just dirty fluid. Problem solved.

[@ThePaigesummers]

Hi Trey, Good Video, I sure hope that the problem of my break peddle going to the floor and having hardly almost no brakes at all on my 02 F550 4x4 Bucket Truck the PS fluid is dark blackish and the break fluid looks like it was clear at one time now it looks dirty now Im a LineMan/HorseMan and no way am I a Mechanic so Im not sure about the Fluid in the Brake Reservoir It looks dirty that wouldnt have anything to do with me losing my brakes would it..? anyway hoping that flushing the PS System gets my brakes back .

[@odellfire35]

Trey great video. I was wondering why you say that you have to use Transmission Fluid and not Power Steering Fluid. I have a 7.3 also and like to know the reason. Thanks Todd

[@odellfire35]

Thanks for the input. What year is your truck?

[@odellfire35]

Trey Spooner Ok. Mine is a 2000. I don't remember ever having Transmission Fluid on it

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

@@odellfire35 Ford calls or Merc V in 7.3 power steering.

[@SuperChief83]

Did you do this when the truck was on the ground or lifted? Idk if on the ground it will damage anything. Also once your done you just reattached the return line and you didn’t get any air in system? I’m going to do this today

[@TruckStuff1]

The best thing to do is jack up the truck or place two pieces of cardboard under each tire so they can turn easier

[@vr4bastard353]

no way to thank you, i dit exactly like you did and it really worked for my truck, the whining is completly gone and brakes feel much firmer.

[@ignisfatuushas1]

I did exactly what you did, but you don't have to take the air filter out. Just place your collection bucket on the flat space above the grill, or on the ground next to the truck.

[@spamtreg7693]

If you aren't going to use a clear line, try clamping it (gently) to the edge of the bucket so you can use a white paper towel to check the color.

[@TruckStuff1]

Good tip!

[@jamessannicolas3116]

My ABS light is on, after I replace the ball joints and when I shut off the engine and restarted the ABS is not on. When I go down the road and it's like 10 feet when I stop the truck, when I was going the ABS turns on. Is it the wire that goes to the wheel bearing or I need to replace the wheel bearing.

[@gonzo116p]

Great video I also would like to see if you could send me the link to your air filter system

[@TruckStuff1]

It's a 6637 filter from RiffRaff Diesel

[@1979covingtoj]

Did flush but I think air may have got into the line. Power steering wine went away but now brakes are not good and have kick back. Can you help me?

[@rubengallegos1775]

Good Job.

[@arisbelmatias8242]

nice video i might just do mine next weekend oil does look and smell not so good

[@ovi1013]

Thanks for thr vid I have a 05 king ranch and its friking loud power steering noice and the gluid looks like shit going to try this hope it works

[@TeamWagy]

Doing an oil change and fuel filter change on my truck today, I noticed the dipstick cap for the steering fluid was just off and sitting there, I'm suprised it didn't fall completely off. Now I'm looking to replace it all because it doesn't even touch the dipstick

[@Scottzilla2014]

What about the fluid in the reservoir right there downstream of the return line? Just accept it's old stuff or is that system independent of the hysroboost?

[@TruckStuff1]

Eventually, after repeating this process, it should all be flushed out or at least so diluted by new fluid it's essentially new.

[@aaronburkett1]

Very Helpful. Thank you!

[@Ziji-LetYourSoulShine]

Thanks for video! Are you alternating between turning steering wheel and pressing brake pedal? Or holding brake pedal down and turning steering wheel at same time? I would like to do this to 7.3 today.

[@Ziji-LetYourSoulShine]

Well, my 7.3 is an E350 van, so it appears to be different. Has the larger hose going from the power steering reservoir to the power steering pump. Then looks like it has pressure line coming off of the pump, which screws into the pump, that line leads to a power steering oil cooler then there's a 3/8" line going from the cooler back up to the power steering reservoir. So I don't really know how to go abt doing the power steering flush with this set up

[@andrewstratton3732]

Ziji! thats the same setup as the pickups

[@fredcrum1]

What did you do with the return line that you removed? I don't see it in the video.

[@wheelsone6180]

Take it and zip tie it to the hood light wiring, so it's vertical, that way no fluid comes out. After flush, cut the zip tie and re-install line.

[@bill_mosienko]

I am putting a new PS Pump in. I've read where they recommend a PS fluid in line filter. DO you know where in the line it goes?

[@TruckStuff1]

I've commonly seen it near the cooler

[@albertovargas5366]

Thank you

[@TruckStuff1]

You're welcome!

[@Peterjohn32]

why do you need to press the brake pedel does the brakes uses the same reserver ?

[@maxgalan4913]

i am having a hard time with hard steering sitting still......and brakes beggining to feel lose you think this will help?

[@dlynes]

How does the brakes effect the power steering and vice versa?

[@dmeads5663]

In these trucks, the power steering pressure is used to help with braking. Most smaller vehicles don’t have this though.

[@lager92]

they charge a lot for what you did awesome bro form tx

[@frankvacanti5277]

Are you putting the cap back on the reservoir when you're turning the wheel or do you leave it off

[@TruckStuff1]

You can leave it off just make sure that the fluid level doesn't get too low and that air doesn't get into the system

[@FLYPHUS]

@@TruckStuff1 what do you do of you get air in the system?

[@jegustaeau]

@@FLYPHUS ya gotta bleed the whole system if that happens, which can be a pain.

[@Jimo225]

so are youy saying the brake fluid for the 6.0 diesel is supposed to be autamatic transmissio fluid?

[@TruckStuff1]

Not the brake fluid, the power steering fluid, which also powers the power brake system. The brake hydraulic fluid is normal brake fluid.

[@JPtheHammer]

My truck (01 7.3) is getting to where it doesn't want to steer when it's sitting still. Should I flush the system and see if that solves the problem, or go ahead and replace the pump?

[@truewealth50]

yes...Mines doing the same thing ,mostly when I am towing my 5th wheel...if your steering fluid is dirty then yes change it.

[@razorburns8651]

check the belt tension it might be slipping at idle.

[@jefflancaster6587]

Got confused. What is the correlation between changing the power steering fluid and it affecting the brakes?

[@TruckStuff1]

Understandable. These trucks use the power steering pump to generate the hydraulic pressure for the steering AND the brake system. It's called Hydro boost.

[@jefflancaster6587]

@@TruckStuff1 hey thanks! Didn't know that until now. I just got a ultra/low mile formerly fleet maintained '01 F350 crew 4x4 7.3 and needed to definitely know that.

[@webstermaster5580]

I don't think he owns that kind of truck, but the concept is the same.

[@adagata1]

My dads truck whines really bad when you steer could this solve the problem

[@1979covingtoj]

Now I have fluid coming in by the four board where my brake pedal rod goes in their fluid coming out of there does that mean my break boost is bad?

[@stressyporkrind3828]

You say that you are changing your power steering fluid but it's making your brakes better how is this power steering and Brake connection possible I have an F-350 diesel 6 liter

[@TruckStuff1]

These diesel trucks use the same system for both steering and brakes. Normally vehicles use vacuum but diesels don't create enough vacuum for brakes.

[@stressyporkrind3828]

@@TruckStuff1 so does the brake fluid reservoir use brake fluid or transmission fluid

[@TruckStuff1]

It uses brake fluid. That's just the hydraulic fluid to actually push on the brake calipers. The hydro boost system provides the power assist for the brakes and steering

[@Keepin-it-wheel101]

Would this process get air off the hydroboost boost?

[@TruckStuff1]

Yep!

[@Keepin-it-wheel101]

@@TruckStuff1 I did but no luck, about 3 quarts but I cant get my brakes to work.

[@TruckStuff1]

Keep it up cycling the pump. You may have to really work it if there's a lot of air.

[@Keepin-it-wheel101]

@@TruckStuff1 Day 4 at this and no luck, I have to say I dont give up easy but this one I really cant figure out. It started with hydroboster seals. Then I try to bleed pump and broke the reservoir. Turn into new a power steering pump replacement. Finally I felt like I could bleed it but I know I did something wrong, brakes automatically go to the floor when I start the engine. Pedal gets suck in. Maybe new hydroboost or maybe new abs module or maybe new brake master cylinder. Anyways I throwing the towel.

[@michaelgilligan7735]

I changed my 06 6.0 steering gear box and forgot to bleed it... went for a spin and then lost power steering when using brakes.. then brakes got reallly stiff.. took it back to my shop.. jacked the front end up and tried to bleed it but still nothing.... then tried this method and little fluid comes out and brakes are still hard as a rock

[@sicilianplaya23]

thank you for the help videos awesome man

[@6arbah]

can you do video for silverado pickup please

[@jewllake]

I need to do this on my 2006 GMC yukon. So it does not come gushing out the moment you start the truck? Only when you move the wheel or the brakes?

[@loudnroudy9018]

Suck It With Singh Some of the gm cars and trucks use the hydroboost system as well. My father's 04 yukon xl has it.

[@squid_garage756]

jesse sweetland really ? my dad used to have an 03 yukon but i never noticed that. thanks for the knowledge

[@loudnroudy9018]

Suck It With Singh no problem but see it might not have had it like my uncles doesn't.

[@achriscity]

Does anyone know if the Vacuum Pump on a 1999 Ford 7.3 Diesel Powerstroke also helps with brakes and steering or are we looking at three different parts: Vacuum Pump, Steering Pump, and Brake Pump? Thank you

[@chrisweaver9199]

How many quarts to fill up after flush?

[@Golgi-Gyges]

What year is your Powerstroke?

[@frankvacanti5277]

So I did just what you're not supposed to do I let it go downafter the 3rd quart.the nice red fluid turned to pink foam.so what to do now

[@TruckStuff1]

Completely fill the system and continue working the air out. Try not to run it very long with air in the system because it can harm the pump. One mess up probably should be fine.

[@davegee6410]

What do you do the get rid of the old fluid when you're finished?

[@kevingaudreau7527]

got a chAIN SAW..bar oil

[@rainincc]

Perhaps if you took off the return line off at the pump return port would make much less mess..

[@achriscity]

Does anyone know if the Vacuum Pump on a 1999 Ford 7.3 Diesel Powerstroke also helps with brakes and steering or are we looking at three different parts: Vacuum Pump, Steering Pump, and Brake Pump? Thank you

[@hmshopfix6283]

Vacuum pumps provides power to operate the air Conditioner/heater vents and louvers. It doesn't assist with steering or brakes.

[@achriscity]

Ok good to know. Thanks MmShop Fix. I recently changed my faulty wobbling vacuum pump. I think the bearings broke and had been wobbling. So while driving the belt ripped and I lost power to steering, brakes and everything else. But now I see it was the ripped belt that caused all other pumps to fail. Replaced the vacuum pump and belt and now all works :-) Thanks for info, Happy Holidays & New Year :-)

[@sixtozaragoza127]

I just did this on my 2001 7.3 powerstroke and my steering and my break pidel got hard??

[@TruckStuff1]

That's good. You should have a firm brake petal. It should be hard for the first few seconds then slowly push to the floor

[@oatmeal4978]

I use the Synthetic Mobil 1 ATF in my 4r100 (24 Quarts) and the Power Steering, Dot 3 in the brakes. I have Amsoil full Synth in the rear end with the Mag Hytec trans and Rear End Covers. The Synthetic Mobil 1 ATF is 10.00 a quart on Amazon w/Prime free shipping in 2 days.

[@KERNFUZED]

IsValveoline LV synthetic ok?

[@TruckStuff1]

Mercon LV compatible fluids are not recommended. You need Mercon or Mercon V.

[@KERNFUZED]

?sp goin int the 05 exursion

[@KERNFUZED]

trans

[@TruckStuff1]

@@KERNFUZED Mercon SP is the correct fluid for the transmission, but the Hydroboost system still uses Mercon or Mercon V.

[@mr.topherlicious4758]

The book says not to use Mercon 5!! Everyone on the forums says to use Synthetic Mobil 1 ATF

[@brianvangsness5355]

Okay

[@hayice1]

Looking for a list of tools to buy for the 6.0 you the common diy fixes.

[@jnlbrooks]

QUESTION----- WHY DO YOU PUMP THE BRAKES WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL? WHAT DOSE THAT DO HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE!! WHAT DOSE IT HAVE TO DO WITH MAKING THE BRAKE PEDAL FEEL STIFFER? GOING TO REPLACE THE BRAKE FLUID AS WELL JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HERE!!!! 2006SD DIESEL 6.0

[@iohanness]

The 7.3l (and 6.0l, I'm assuming) utilizes a "hydrobooster" instead of a vacuum-based brake booster, due to the lack of applicable vacuum lines in diesel engines (I'm not a mechanic; don't know specifics). This hydrobooster receives pressurized fluid from the power steering pump to provide necessary brake boost. If your power-steering pump (or fluid) isn't up to par, your brake pedal might feel "spongey" or otherwise not stiff. Make sense? :)

[@webstermaster5580]

Couldn't hurt, but if there's air in the system, then you need to bleed it. That isn't covered in this vid.

[@adagata1]

Also I think there is air in the system

[@yeahno1016]

New sub. Great vids bud. Anyone out there that can make a suggestion on a leak I'm having I'd appreciate it. '05 f250 6.0 ps. From under truck looks like it stars somewhere around manifold or head area. Keep in mind had new oem gaskets n arp studs out in about 40 days ago. It's a oil leak. About 2ounce per morning puddle

[@flats-hopper4351]

Oil cooler most likely!!

[@queenofspadz]

The blue 6637 air filter cover is by Covers by Pete at former website truck-mods.com - which appears NLA. Anyone know where I can get one like it?

[@TruckStuff1]

I got the filter cover from RiffRaff Diesel.

[@jdhdives]

Great video. would be better with some Audio Stability! Can't hear you half the time.

[@nateintx4098]

I forgot to mention, the power steering cooler from the 6.0 is bigger than the OEM on my 7.3 Would anybody recommend me installing just the power steering cooler from the 6.0 only or should I go ahead and run them both together in a series for extra cooling? I would imagine that the 6.0 cooler alone would be sufficient since it is already bigger than the 7.3 cooler. What do you think?

[@antoniononame3037]

Yes you can install a 6.0 power steering cooler with no problema

[@jamesb1988]

And here I was about to just siphon out from the Reservoir tank and refill same amount with new Power Steering fluid... pretty disappointed that this looks like such a pain in the ass. I guess even the best engines have some annoying maintenance procedures.

[@TruckStuff1]

It's not that bad really.

[@kevingaudreau7527]

you said your gonna use the brakes but you're turning the steering wheel what's with that.and yes clear 3/8 is much better..it usally takes 3liters and makes good bar oil for your chain saw

[@fatfairlane]

What would make this video better is if the guy actually answer the questions that have been asked...... You don't post a video like this and not answer questions

[@fatfairlane]

The question that quite a few people of asked about bleeding air from it N does this evacuated air from the system also or do you still have to bleed it when you're done

[@fatfairlane]

Thank you that just answered quite a few people's questions on here

[@mokiepoet]

Okay so I doubt you are going to respond soon since this is a few years old, but I'll ask anyway- what if there is a lot bubbles and I can't turn the wheel anymore? I'm scared I mess things up even more! It sounds really, really bad!

[@sevanson1]

It looks like you're working on a 7.3L? You make a statement that any Trans fluid that is OK for the vehicle is OK to use in this (sic) motor. You meant OK for the PS system? You state that you are going to use Mercon V. Please provide Ford specs where Mercon V is authorized for a Super Duty. :-). I have NEVER seen authorization use Mercon V in a SD transmission. 4R100 or 5R110W. - 'just say'n.

[@TruckStuff1]

www.dieselhub.com/trans/4r100.html

[@TruckStuff1]

Mercon V is the ATF of choice for the 4R100

[@gregoryney5680]

Automatic only- Ford TSB 06-14-4. Ford authorized use of Mercon V formulations in 2006.

[@sevanson1]

@@gregoryney5680 Hello Gregory, That TSB pertains to the Transmission, only. Nothing about steering. And BTW, I would NEVER use V in an R4100, either. See, Ford knew the warranty on the last of the 4100s (circa 2003) was well expired. No sweat on them when the seals go out. ACTION Beginning immediately all automatic transmission / transaxle applications requiring MERCON(R) can now be serviced using MERCON(R) V or MERCON(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid or dual usage fluids labeled MERCON(R) / MERCON(R) V. After July 1, 2007, MERCON(R) Automatic Transmission Fluid will no longer be manufactured, therefore, availability of this fluid will only continue for however long it takes to deplete what remains in inventory.

[@gregoryney5680]

@@sevanson1 Sorry, TSB 07-1-7 specifically addresses PS.

[@galenvera]

P.S. I think I'm going to get a donut too. Lmao :)

[@echarles8237]

Worthless too close shot video

[@ovi1013]

Thanks for thr vid I have a 05 king ranch and its friking loud power steering noice and the gluid looks like shit going to try this hope it works