You should check the power steering fluid levels in your 2010 Ford Expedition once a month (and add more fluid if needed), but your power steering fluid only needs to be changed once every 40,000 to 80,000 miles.
Your power steering system aids in maneuvering your car smoothly and makes turning and parking a breeze. However, if you've noticed your wheel feels stiff or (god forbid) whines at you when turning, chances are your power steering fluid is low.
Luckily, changing the fluid at home is easy—no need to take your car to the mechanic! Here to walk you through the process of changing your power steering fluid at home is Jerry
, the car insurance
super app that’s all about helping you save money on Ford Expedition insurance costs
. How do I replace my 2010 Ford Expedition’s power steering fluid?
Replacing the power steering fluid in your Ford Expedition is pretty straightforward. Before starting, park on a flat and level surface and set the parking brake. If your car isn't already warmed up, turn the engine on and let it run for about five minutes until it reaches normal operating temperature.
While your car is idling, get into the driver’s seat and turn the steering wheel left and right several times. Then shut your engine off, pop your hood, roll up your sleeves, and follow these steps:
Locate the power steering reservoir. In a 2010 Expedition, the reservoir can be found on the front right-hand side underneath the hood, next to the power distribution box and in front of the air filter assembly. It will have a black cap and a white tank.
Check the fluid level in your reservoir. On the side of the tank, you’ll see MIN and MAX lines. If your power steering fluid falls somewhere between the two, you don’t need to change it—but if it’s below the MIN line, you’ll want to add more.
Add new fluid in small amounts, continuously checking the level until it falls within the desired range between the MIN and MAX lines.
Replace the reservoir cap, make sure it's secure, close up your hood, and you're good to go!
Ford recommends using Motorcraft® MERCON® V ATF
transmission and power steering fluid for your 2010 Expedition. You can find it at most auto parts stores, typically priced around $12.99 per quart. Not looking to get your hands dirty? No problem—you can always have your Expedition’s power steering fluid serviced by a mechanic.
MORE: Why does my steering wheel shake, and how do I fix it?
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Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
Adding more power steering fluid to your Expedition's reservoir is a simple home fix. However, if you're nervous about flushing the reservoir and changing the fluid, you may be better off visiting a mechanic. The average cost for a power steering fluid service
falls between $99 and $125. Thankfully, it’s an expense you won’t run into too often—although you should try to check your general power steering fluid levels once every month. Which power steering fluid is best for a 2010 Ford Expedition?
The manufacturer-recommended power steering fluid for your 2010 Expedition is Motorcraft® MERCON® V ATF
. But while it’s important to know your manufacturer's recommendation, that doesn’t mean you have to follow it. Here are some high-quality alternatives we love: Pro Tip Ask your mechanic for power steering fluid recommendations for your vehicle.
When do I need to replace my 2010 Ford Expedition’s power steering fluid?
You should check your power steering fluid levels at least once a month—but when it comes to flushing the entire reservoir and refilling it with all-new fluid, you’ll need to do this every 40,000 to 80,000 miles. Depending on how much you drive your Expedition, 40,000 miles could equate to once every four years—or it could be even longer (or sooner) than that.
In some cases, you may have to swap out your power steering fluid earlier than expected. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms, as they may be signs your fluid is due for a change:
Groaning or whining noises when you turn the wheel
Steering wheel feels “hard” or difficult to turn
Fluid color has changed from clear to yellow, or there are bubbles in the fluid
Without proper power steering fluid, you could face dangerous driving conditions—or an outright failure of your power assist steering system. To avoid causing irreversible damage to your car (or ending up in an accident), make sure to properly maintain your car
to keep your Expedition running for years to come. MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid
How to save money on Ford insurance
Changing your power steering fluid at home is a great way to save on basic car maintenance
. Another great way to save on car maintenance is by using Jerry
, the car insurance comparison super app that lets you shop dozens of quotes in seconds. Just download the trustworthy super app
, enter your basic insurance information, and let Jerry do the rest—in just 45 seconds, you’ll be presented with customized quotes from the top name-brand insurance providers. Compare rates side-by-side and manage your policy, all from the app. When you decide to switch insurance plans, Jerry makes the process effortless—from contacting your insurer to purchasing your new policy and filling out paperwork, we do it all. We can even help you cancel your old policy!
So why do all that extra work, when Jerry can do it better?
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Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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