How to Replace Power Steering Fluid for a 2013 Ford Explorer

Not every 2013 Ford Explorer uses power steering fluid, so check your owner’s manual before you order any fluid!
Written by Natalie Todoroff
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Not all 2013
Ford Explorers
take power steering fluid. Depending on the
trim level
, some are equipped with Electronic Power-Assist Steering (EPAS) and therefore do not use power steering fluid. To check whether or not your Explorer needs steering fluid, consult your owner’s manual.
Having a well-lubricated steering wheel is essential to safe driving and parking. If and when you begin to notice your Ford Explorer’s steering wheel screeching, squealing, or even jamming up, you’re probably due for a little under-the-hood checkup on your power steering fluid. 
Whether you’re a full-blown grease monkey or total engine noob, the
Jerry
app is here to help. We’ll walk you through how to find your power steering fluid reservoir, how to empty it, and (in true Jerry style) show you how to use our
money-saving
insurance app to save on your
car insurance
policy.

How do I replace my 2013 Ford Explorer’s power steering fluid?

Before you head to Amazon or your local auto shop to buy power steering fluid, you first need to check that your 2013 Ford Explorer even uses power steering fluid
Generally, higher trim levels of the 2013 Ford Explorer use Electronic Power-Assist Steering (EPAS), while lower, simpler trims still use power steering fluid. Your owner’s manual will be able to tell you what your vehicle needs. 
Once you’ve confirmed that your 2013 Ford Explorer engine does, in fact, take power steering fluid, here’s what you’ll need to do to replace it:
  • Start up your engine. Allow it to run until the temperature gauge is within normal operating range. 
  • Turn your steering wheel all the way to the left to fully lock it, and then to the right to lock it on that side as well. Repeat this a couple of times. 
  • Shut off your engine and open the hood
  • Find the power steering reservoir. It will have a black cap and sit just to the right of the engine. 
  • Uncap the power steering reservoir and insert a pump. Household items, like the tubes from hand soap and shampoo bottles, and even turkey basters make fantastic (and cheap!) pumps.
  • Pump out the old power steering fluid from the reservoir. Make sure you’ve got a container on hand to catch the old fluid! 
  • Refill the reservoir up to the “MAX” fill line and re-screw the cap.
If you really want to take your DIY project to the next level, you can complete the following optional steps:
  • Disconnect the fluid line.
  • Wiggle your steering wheel back and forth to shake out every remaining drop of your old power steering fluid. 
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Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?

If the steps above sound too time-consuming, or just don’t sound like your ideal Sunday afternoon project, not to worry! You can always choose to have a mechanic handle it instead. 
But, the added peace of mind you’ll get knowing a
pro is handling your power steering fluid
comes at a price—around $120. 
Or, if you’d rather have a little extra money in your pocket, feel free to give it a whirl yourself! In that case, you’d only pay for the power steering fluid itself, which usually costs between $10 and $20.

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2013 Ford Explorer?

There is a myriad of options when it comes to power steering fluid. But for a 2013 Ford Explorer, you really can’t do much better than
Peak's power steering fluid
. It’s specifically engineered for North American engines and also works well with
Jeep
,
Chrysler
, and
Dodge
Here are a couple of other Jerry-vetted options:
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When do I need to replace my 2013 Ford Explorer’s power steering fluid?

In general, you should take a peek at your 2013 Ford Explorer’s power steering fluid once a month just to make sure the fluid level has not fallen below the “MIN” line. Generally, though, it will need to be replaced once every three years or after 75,000 miles driven—whichever milestone you reach first. 
Sometimes, though, you may need to replace it a little ahead of schedule if you notice the following symptoms: 
  • Grinding, groaning, screeching, or other strange noises when turning the wheel
  • Stiff steering wheel
  • Leaking
    , bubbling, or yellowing power steering fluid  
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

How to save money on Ford insurance

Replacing your power steering fluid yourself is a fairly quick and easy way to save money on your car’s basic
routine maintenance
. Downloading
Jerry
is another faster and much easier way to save on your car’s routine expenses! 
Jerry was designed to do three things: find you a great policy, save you money, and take the hassle out of the car insurance buying process. Signup takes just 45 seconds, and in minutes, the Jerry
super app
can find you an awesome deal from across dozens of premium insurance providers. 
Jerry can also help you cancel your current policy once you find a new one you like better, and saves users an average of over $800 a year! 
Jerry
is the best! I was able to get the same insurance from Progressive for only $198, which saves me almost $400 a month. Seriously.” —Miles G. 
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FAQs

If your engine takes power steering fluid, then you absolutely can! You just need to pump out the old fluid and refill it with new Peak fluid.
While you should check on your 2013 Ford Explorer’s power steering fluid levels once a month, it needs to be replaced every three years or after 75,000 miles driven (whichever comes first) or when you begin to have trouble steering.
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