How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2010 Ford Expedition

You can check and replace the power steering fluid in a 2010 Ford Expedition at home—read this to learn everything about your Ford’s power steering fluid.
Written by Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Prestone PSF
12 ounces
$8.59
Lubegard Synthetic PSF
32 ounces
$15.30
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
  • Fluid leakage
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
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FAQs

Yes! You can easily check and replace the power steering fluid level in your 2010 Ford Expedition from home to save time and money.
You should be checking the power steering fluid levels in your vehicle once a month, but you only need to flush and replace your Expedition’s power steering fluid once every 40,000 to 80,000 miles.
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