You can change the power steering fluid in your 2012 Ford Explorer
by locating the fluid reservoir, pumping out the old fluid, and replacing it with new fluid from an auto parts store. Power steering is a helpful feature that most modern cars have, but many people don't know that a power steering system requires its own maintenance. Similar to coolant or antifreeze, a power steering system needs regular fluid changes to operate smoothly.
Here to give you the rundown on how to change the power steering fluid in your 2012 Ford Explorer is Jerry
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shopping. In this guide, we’ll go over how to change your power steering fluid, how often you should do so, and which fluids work the best for your Ford
. How do I replace my 2012 Ford Explorer’s power steering fluid?
Luckily, the process of changing your power steering fluid is pretty easy. Here are some simple steps for changing the power steering fluid in your 2012 Ford Explorer.
Find the power steering reservoir. Look for a white or yellow jug with a black cap near the engine.
Remove the cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. You can use pretty much anything—the pump from an empty shampoo bottle works well.
Pump the old power steering fluid out of the reservoir. Use an empty container to catch the old fluid as you pump it out.
Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap.
If you’re competent with DIY repairs and want to kick your fluid change up a notch, try draining your power steering system completely.
Disconnect the fluid line.
Wiggle the steering wheel to drain the last drops of fluid from the system.
While changing your power steering fluid is easy to do yourself, you can always take your car to a mechanic
if you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty. Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?
If you’re uncomfortable performing the steps outlined above, it may be better to take the car to a mechanic. A full flush of your power steering system should take an hour or less and cost about $120 at a service center.
If you’re on a budget, however, it’s much more affordable to perform the fluid change yourself. A bottle of power steering fluid only costs $10 to $15 off the shelf.
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Which power steering fluid is best for a 2012 Ford Explorer?
Fords tend to have specific needs for their engines, so the manufacturer recommends ATF fluids for your 2012 Explorer.
ATF stands for Automatic Transmission Fluid and uses a special chemical blend that works well in Ford and Chrysler
makes in particular. The following are some popular ATF brands and how much they cost. | | |
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Valvoline Multi-Vehicle ATF | | |
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When do I need to replace my 2012 Ford Explorer’s power steering fluid?
It’s a good idea to service your power steering system every three years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Regular maintenance will keep your system running smoothly and allow you to turn the wheel with ease.
If you’re having issues with your steering, though, you may need to change your power steering fluid early. Some common signs that you need a fluid change for your power steering system include:
Squealing or screeching noises when you turn the wheel
Bubbles in your power steering fluid
Color change from pink or red to brown or black
Remember: regular maintenance for your power steering system doesn’t just make driving easier. It will also save you money in repairs down the line.
Keep your power steering fluid up to date to ensure the longevity of your 2012 Ford Explorer’s power steering system and avoid intervention by a mechanic in the future.
How to save money on Ford insurance
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