You can replace your 2010 Ford Escape’s power steering fluid by letting your engine run for a few minutes, turning it off, and pumping out the old fluid. Replace it with new fluid compatible with Ford models.
Has steering your 2010 Escape become more difficult than usual? Even worse, have you noticed strange sounds, like screeching or squeaking, each time you round a corner on your way to work or the store? Chances are, you need to replace your power steering fluid to get your Ford back into shape.
Thankfully, this job is easy to do from the comfort of your garage or driveway. If you’re unsure about where to start with changing your Ford’s power steering fluid, follow this guide from Jerry
, the super app for car insurance
savings. We’ll go over how to change your power steering fluid, what kind of fluid you need, and how often you should do this job. Plus, we've got some tips to help lower your Ford Escape insurance costs
. How do I replace my 2010 Ford Escape’s power steering fluid?
Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to replace the power steering fluid on a 2010 Ford Escape, and you can do it from the comfort of your home. Just follow these simple steps:
Start the engine and let it run. Wait a few minutes until the temperature gauge reaches its normal operating range.
Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and then all the way to the right several times while your Escape is running.
Turn off the engine and open the hood
Locate the power steering reservoir. It’s usually near the engine and has a black cap on top of a yellow or beige reservoir.
Check your power steering fluid levels. Ensure the power steering fluid is close to or below the MIN line before adding more fluid!
Remove the black cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. Use a recycled shampoo bottle dispenser or something similar for this job.
Pump the old power steering fluid out of the reservoir. Hold a container large enough to catch the old fluid to prevent it from falling on parts of your engine or even on yourself.
Refill the reservoir with new fluid and put the black cap back on, screwing it tightly.
And that’s it! Once you’ve followed the steps above consecutively, you’re good to hit the road again. If you’d like to take your power steering fluid replacement up a notch though, you can follow these extra steps:
Disconnect the fluid line.
Drain the system completely. By turning your wheel to full lockout in each direction a few times, you’ll get every last drop of old power steering fluid out of your Escape.
Rather not do this job in your driveway? No worries! Taking the car to the mechanic a great alternative to doing this job at home. Let’s review the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
To decide if you should take your car to a repair shop or mobile mechanic
, weigh the financial costs against the peace of mind you’ll get knowing the job was done well. Power steering fluid service
will cost around $120, but you don’t have to stress about following directions correctly and you’ll leave knowing the job was done without any hiccups. On the other hand, if you’d like to save some money and you’re confident you can follow these steps at home with ease, try replacing the fluid yourself! The fluid only costs about $10-$20, so you’ll save about $100 on the job.
Plus, once you learn how to do it, you’ll be able to do this job yourself each time your car needs new fluid, saving you hundreds down the line.
Which power steering fluid is best for a 2010 Ford Escape?
There are a plethora of great options to choose from when it comes to selecting a new power steering fluid for your Ford Escape. One of the best options for quality and value is the Prestone MAX American Power Steering Fluid
. This fluid also works well with other popular American car makes, such as Dodge, GMC, and Jeep.
Here are our top power steering fluid choices for your 2010 Ford Escape:
| | |
|---|
Prestone MAX American Power Steering Fluid | | |
Peak Full Synthetic American | | |
| | |
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers When do I need to replace my 2010 Ford Escape’s power steering fluid?
You should aim to change your Ford Escape’s power steering fluid every 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, it’s a good idea to check your power steering fluid level every 3-4 years to ensure you aren’t getting low too quickly.
Occasionally, you’ll find that you need to replace your power steering fluid earlier than you thought, especially if you’ve been driving more than usual. Watch out for these signs that your car needs new fluid:
Strange noises when you turn the wheel (screeching, squeaking, etc.)
Bubbles in your power steering fluid
Color change from clear to yellow
Proper car maintenance, including regular power steering fluid replacements, makes your car easier to drive and also extends the lifespan of your car. Stick to a maintenance schedule to keep your car in top shape.
How to save money on Ford insurance
Replacing your power steering fluid at home is a great way to save on car-related costs, but what if there was an even easier way to save on one of your biggest bills—car insurance?
Jerry
, the trustworthy insurance comparison app
, will save you money on your Ford Escape car insurance
and get you the best coverage for your Ford. Talk about a win-win!Sign up in just 45 seconds, and get the nation’s top rates in minutes. Once you’ve picked your favorite quote, we’ll even help you switch policies—no headache or hassle.
Best of all, the average Jerry driver saves over $800 on car insurance!
“I was paying roughly $180 a month for insurance, but Jerry
hooked me up with an Allstate full coverage plan for only $89! I’m so glad I trusted Jerry to find me a better plan.”—David A.
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