After reading several threads here about power stering fluid replacement I decided after 128k miles (owned since new) I couldn't hurt my best friend and replace the power steering fluid. I changed the power steering fluid a couple of weeks ago by removing the fluid from the reservoir and refilling with Dextron-lll / Mercon ATF. I did this 4 or 5 times with a 10 mile drive cycle in between. When I was through I noticed no change in performance and everthing seemed normal. Now a couple of weeks later my wife is complaining of hard steering (higher effort) on our 1997 F-150 SC 2wd 5.4. I took it for a ride and it felt to me like it took more effort to turn the wheel than it used to. I really need some ideas as to what's wrong or how to troubleshoot this werd problem. I'm hoping this forum with it's wealth of knowledge can help me out. Thanks, Dana.

 

I forgot to mention there are no leaks and fluid (ATF) is at right level. Should I need a conditioner for power steering fluid as steering seems sticky (erratic effort). Thanks.

 

Don't know what happened but today on a 75 mile drive cycle it seems just great. Strange !!!!

 

maybe an air bubble in the system.
The way i bleed it is to lift the front wheels off the ground and with the engine off, turn the wheel lock to lock holding it for a few seconds at the lock. do this a few times and it will bleed out the air without making foam in the fluid. this is especially good if the entire system has been drained or parts have been replaced.

 

Maybe it was fussy and your rpms dropped slightly.