How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2006 Ford F150
You can easily replace the power steering fluid in your 2006 Ford F150 with this guide from Jerry.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Need to replace the power steering fluid in your 2006 Ford F150? Just look for the reservoir marked with a steering wheel on the cap, drain the old fluid, and fill it with new power steering fluid.
Your power steering is essential to operating your vehicle safely, but did you know your power steering fluid needs to be changed? This keeps the fluid clean and prevents steering issues. But don’t start worrying about those mechanic fees just yet—with this guide from
Jerry
, you can replace the power steering fluid yourself!As a
trustworthy licensed insurance broker
, we’re experts at helping drivers save money where car insurance
is concerned. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you save money on power steering replacement costs and the best way to reduce your Ford F150 car insurance costs
. Let’s get started!Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
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How do I replace my 2006 Ford F150’s power steering fluid?
Replacing the power steering fluid on a Ford F150 is pretty simple, and all you have to do is follow these steps:
- Locate the power steering reservoir. It will be on the driver’s side of the engine, and the cap will have a steering wheel icon on it.
- Remove the cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. Using a turkey baster is generally the easiest way to get the old fluid out, but the pump of an empty shampoo bottle can work too.
- Pump the old power steering fluid out of the reservoir.
- Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap.
This should be all you need to do to get clean power steering fluid, but if you want to be extra thorough, you can drain the whole system with a few extra steps. After you’ve pumped as much fluid out as you can:
- Disconnect the fluid line.
- Drain the system completely. Turn the steering wheel left and right a few times to flush the remaining power steering fluid out.
- Reconnect the fluid line.
- Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap.
Of course, you can always take your F150 to a mechanic to get the job done. Let’s take a look at some of the factors to consider before taking your truck to a repair shop.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
If you’re trying to decide between taking your vehicle to a mechanic and just doing a
power steering fluid service
yourself, it really comes down to your budget and comfort level.A mechanic can flush your power steering fluid and replace it in under an hour, but it will cost you around $120.
On the other hand, if you change your power steering fluid yourself, it will only cost around $20 for the replacement fluid. The job is easy, but if you’re not comfortable working on your vehicle, then having a professional do it for you might be worth the money.
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2006 Ford F150?
There are a lot of power steering fluid options available, but Ford usually recommends using
Motorcraft Mercon V Power Steering Fluid
. If you want some other options, here are some great picks:
Power steering fluid | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Prestone American Vehicle Power Steering Fluid | 12 ounces | $9.99 |
Peak Original Equipment Technology Full Synthetic North American Power Steering Fluid | 12 ounces | $13.29 |
Prestone PSF MAXAmerican | 12 ounces | $12.99 |
Pentosin ATF 44 | 5 liters (170 ounces) | $71.99 |
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Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWhen do I need to replace my 2006 Ford F150’s power steering fluid?
Generally, you want to replace your Ford F150’s power steering fluid every 30,000 miles or every three years—whichever happens first. This should prevent any steering issues from cropping up due to dirty or contaminated fluid.
However, if you start having issues with your steering, you’ll want to get your fluid checked and replaced. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Strange noises when you turn the wheel, like squealing or squeaking
- Difficulty steering or turning
- Bubbles in your power steering fluid
- Fluid leakage
- Color change—power steering fluid is usually clear or dyed red; yellow or brown fluid is dirty
Pro tip Changing your power steering fluid is just one part of a regular maintenance schedule to keep your car operating smoothly!
How to save money on Ford insurance
Maintaining your Ford F150 doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and neither does your
Ford car insurance
! With
Jerry
, the trustworthy comparison shopping super app
, you can search for the coverage you need from the nation’s top providers in under a minute. Then you can compare Ford F150 insurance costs to find the most affordable coverage. And once you’ve found a policy you love, Jerry will help you switch your coverage without any annoying phone calls or mountains of paperwork. Our customers get to trade in the hassle of finding car insurance for savings—$800+ a year on average!
“Jerrywas easy to use, and they saved me a lot of money on my truck. I would definitely recommend them.” —Johannes T.
FAQs
Can I replace the power steering fluid in my 2006 Ford F150 myself?
Absolutely! Just locate the reservoir, drain the old fluid, and replace it with new power steering fluid.
How often should I replace my 2006 Ford F150’s power steering fluid?
Ford recommends replacing your F150’s power steering fluid every 30,000 miles or every three years, whichever comes first.
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