Easily replace the power steering fluid in your 1997 Ford Explorer by draining the old fluid from the reservoir, then refilling it with new Mercon ATF fluid. The power steering fluid reservoir will be yellow or white with a black lid that reads “Power Steering Fluid.”
If you’ve noticed that your steering wheel is stiff—or squealing—when you turn, you may need to replace the power steering fluid in your Ford Explorer. Don’t worry, this car repair
service isn’t as difficult as it sounds. And this job is easier, thanks to this handy guide from Jerry
, the trustworthy super app for car insurance
. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: how to replace your Explorer’s power steering fluid, which brand is best for Ford, and how to tell when to do the swap. We'll even show you how to save on Ford Explorer car insurance costs
. How to replace my 1997 Ford Explorer’s power steering fluid?
Luckily, swapping the power steering fluid in your Explorer is pretty straightforward. Here’s all you need to do:
Locate the power steering reservoir. You’re looking for a black cap on a white or yellow reservoir near the driver’s side of the engine.
Untwist the black cap and place a pump into the reservoir. You can use almost anything as a pump—like a tube from a shampoo bottle or a turkey baster.
Remove the old fluid from the reservoir. Pump the fluid out of the reservoir and into a catch container like a coffee can.
Fill the reservoir with fresh fluid and replace the cap.
Once you’ve removed the old fluid and swapped it for the new stuff, you’re all set! To make it even better, perform a flush. You’ll complete a few extra steps:
Drain the system entirely. You’ll want to wiggle the wheels from stop to stop to squeeze the system dry.
Don’t feel bad if you aren’t up to DIY car maintenance—you can always take your Explorer to an auto repair shop
. MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
In short, if you want to be sure that your replacement was completed correctly, it never hurts to go visit a shop. They’ll be able to flush your fluid in about an hour, and you’ll be looking to pay about $120.
However, if you don’t mind working a little harder to save some cash, give the replacement a go! It’s true you’ll still have to pay for replacement fluid, which is between $10 and $20, but you won’t have to pay the shop’s labor rate to do the job.
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Which power steering fluid is best for a 1997 Ford Explorer
When you’re ready to replace your power steering fluid, you’ve got several great options. You can’t go wrong with the OEM recommendations of Mercon V ATF
. Not only can you use it in your power steering system, but you also can use it to replace transmission fluid and in the transfer case. If you can’t get your hands on the Motorcraft brand, check these suitable replacements:
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Prestone American Vehicle PSF | | |
Peak Full Synthetic North American | | |
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Pro Tip No matter which you choose, make sure you choose a fluid that’s compatible with North American Vehicles!
When do I need to replace my 1997 Ford Explorer’s power steering fluid?
Power Steering fluid does expire, so you’ll want to swap out the power steering fluid every three years or 50,000 miles—whichever happens first. Routine maintenance like this will keep your steering system in tiptop shape and your wheel turning smoothly.
There may be instances where you’ll need to replace your fluid ahead of schedule. If you notice any of these signs, you’re likely due for a replacement:
Loud noises when you turn the wheel (squealing, screeching, etc.)
Bubbles in your power steering fluid
Changing color from red or pink to something else
Don’t forget that power steering fluid doesn’t just make steering easier—it extends the lifespan of your Explorer! Make sure you follow maintenance best practices
to keep your Ford running for many years. How to save money on Ford insurance
If you spend much of each week buzzing between after school activities and running errands, you could probably use a little wiggle room in your budget (and who doesn’t?). We’ve got great news: Jerry can help!
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