Power steering fluid change

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My power steering pump in my 05 Explorer 4.6L V8 is starting to howl it's displeasure on a cold start at near zero temperature.
It doesn't do it when warm.
I thought I would change the fluid but the owners manual says to use Mercon ATF, but Ford now sells Mercon V as power steering fluid. It also warns not to mix the two kinds.
So, which one should I use?
And, which way to change it, siphon pump the reservoir and replace with new a few times, or let the pump pump it out and replace as it goes?

1/23/135:23 PM

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rttechMember

Hi, I'm inclined to allow the pump to pump it out and replace the fluid in the reservoir as is goes to prevent too much cavitation, continue until you have a clean clear fluid being pumped out and that should flush the system enough not to be concerned about the change over of fluid type, most mineral fluids will go down below -20°C or so a synthetic fluid is most likely not required and the current fluid was working ok before it become contaminated, check the breather cap and see if there is any filtration as in most instances there is not and we usually pop a good quality plastic bag over the reservoir and cable tyre tightly so air tight with enough air space for expansion and contraction so you have created a “lung” type breather, that way as the system heats the bag will lightly expand and as the system cools the bag collapses preventing any environmental dirt entry and fluid life usual becomes years without dirt been able to gain entry, Regards Rob S

1/23/138:25 PM

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rttechMember

quote:
Originally posted by rttech:
Hi, I'm inclined to allow the pump to pump it out and replace the fluid in the reservoir as is goes to prevent too much cavitation, continue until you have a clean clear fluid being pumped out and that should flush the system enough not to be concerned about the change over of fluid type, most mineral fluids will go down below -20°C or so a synthetic fluid is most likely not required and the current fluid was working ok before it become contaminated, check the breather cap and see if there is any filtration as in most instances there is not and we usually pop a good quality plastic bag over the reservoir and cable tie tightly so air tight with enough air space for expansion and contraction so you have created a “lung” type breather, that way as the system heats the bag will lightly expand and as the system cools the bag collapses preventing any environmental dirt entry and fluid life usual becomes years without dirt been able to gain entry, Regards Rob S

1/23/138:26 PM

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