2002 Ranger 3.0

I have been (foolishly) putting in the wrong fluid in my power steering pump for many, many years, how should I go about ameliorating the problems I've cause by doing this? The main problem is the pump for a long time now has been pushing the fluid out pass the cap emptying the reservoir. Must I replace the pump? Can I flush the system with the correct fluid or must I get a new pump and/or rebuild the pump myself. Other ideas I should take a look at or replace?

Thanks for your advice!

 

IMO, if it is pushing fluid out of the reservoir to the point of emptying, the pump is toast.

Once you replace the pump, you can flush the rack by placing the low pressure return line into a bucket and filling the system with fresh fluid. Just keep adding more fluid while you have someone turn the rack back and forth.

What fluid were you using that was "wrong", btw

 

I was using regular power steering fluid rather than the recommended ATF, I think Mercon (now Mercon V).

 

I don't recall the factory fill being ATF, but regardless, they can be used interchangeably in the power steering system in almost every case. I don't see an issue with using either. They are both hydraulic fluid and are generally very similar

 

I read it in a few forums and then checked my Haynes manual, and Mercon ATF is listed there.

I went ahead and changed the pump, light and day difference.