03 F250 5.4 165k
Has anyone seen a clear to light orange power steering fluid?
I'm used to red or burnt (it was the latter when I bought the truck), when I was checking mine yesterday it looked like almost as if someone either put brake fluid or jack oil in there by the diluted shade.
Also noticed the level stick on the cap mysteriously disappeared, it was there a few months back but maybe that's "Ford Tough"😄 no sharp edge like evidence of it breaking, just a nub where it once was.
Generic aftermarket power steering fluid is usually clear.
Still kinda odd, never added any & it was an ugly burnt color when I was doing my pre-buy walk around.
Maybe they just poured whatever in to top it off & it finally mixed.
Probably best to change the power steering fluid so you know what's in there and it's all fresh.
That's my next move, any recommendation(s) for a high mileage synthetic? Trying to avoid the inevitable pump change for as long as possible.
Check you owner's manual to be sure, but on a Ford you should be able to use any good brand of power steering fluid (Valvoline, etc.).
Looks like I lucked out on finding that ford archives their manuals online the other day, otherwise I'd be searching ebay.
Even the Chilton manuals lack that info now, they've gone up in price ($45+) but down in content.
The Autozone brand I use in my Ford Focus is clear. It had never been changed and was black as coal. After numerous rounds with a turkey baster and 3 quarts of it I've finally got it sort of clear.
