Ford Fusion 2010 has always received positive feedback for its impressive steering power.
And that feat is achieved for a reason: each 2010 Fusion model includes power steering reservoirs to help monitor and navigate your steering performance.
My guide will dive further into the 2010 Ford Fusion power steering location and when to replace its fluid. Let’s get started.
What Is The 2010 Ford Fusion Power Steering Location? Where Is Its Fluid?
2010 Fusion drivers can find the power steering reservoir against the passenger’s firewall near the engine block.
It is usually painted in white (the same white color as plastic pieces), adorned by a black lid at the top. The steering fluid is stored within this reservoir.
Specifically, Ford Fusion 2010 uses hydraulic systems to pump fluid from this reservoir to the car’s steering box, which gives your car more power during rough turns.
Smart drivers should check the power steering fluid levels regularly to make sure they are properly filled.
Otherwise, low-fluid systems might cause the steering to feel much heavier, which affects your entire driving experience. Accidents or collisions can occur at any time!
When Should You Replace 2010 Ford Fusion Power Steering Fluid?
The best bet is to have your Ford Fusion power steering fluid changed by experts every 50,000 miles or 5 years (whichever arrives first).
That way, the steering wheels will always be kept in optimal condition to deliver smooth, no-hassle flexes.
However, premature breakdown or malfunction symptoms might bring you and your car to automobile services earlier than expected.
Get into action immediately if your 2010 Ford Fusion goes down with the following indicators:
Groaning Noise From The Steering Gear or Power Steering Pumps
Groaning sounds from the power steering 2010 Ford Fusion system indicate your fluid is either too old or too contaminated.
Over time, its smoothness and flow consistency is lost, resulting in excessive strain and friction on the gears and pump.
Squeaking/Grinding Noise During Wheel Turns
Aside from bothersome noises in gear, even your wheels will operate loudly during turns due to too much fluid friction.
Worse, they are not the only moving components affected: your bearings, gears, and pumps will suffer, too, especially under high loads or during low-rate maneuvers.
Failure to treat the issue on time will accelerate the tear and wear, eventually destroying the car. You know what to do!
Difficulties with Turning The Steering Wheels
As briefly explained above, your power steering on 2010 Ford Fusion relies on the fluid’s hydraulic pressure for smoother and easier wheel turning.
Hence, deteriorated, contaminated, or old fluid cannot sustain the required hydraulic assistance for the wheels, making them much heavier than usual.
You will need to exert extra physical effort to get them moving!
The issue becomes even more obvious during tight corners or sharp turns. You don’t need to be a genius to imagine how dangerous that would be.
Power Steering Fluid Leak
Look underneath your 2010 Ford Fusion; is there any fluid drip or puddle?
“Yes” to that question means your steering system has serious punctures – possibly from malfunctioning pumps, seals, or hoses.
This major fluid loss results in heightened resistance and stiffness in the steering wheels, forcing you to work much harder to maneuver them around.
Worse, excessive airflow may enter the leakage hole, causing aeration inside the remaining fluid.
Your hydraulic pressure is further disrupted as a result; smooth steering seems more and more unlikely.
Bubble Formation On The Fluid
Too much air entering the steering system might form actual, floating bubbles on the fluid. This phenomenon might be the result of:
- Punctured fluid replacement
- System leak for power steering
- Improper bleeding
As the car’s hydraulic pressure is seriously disturbed, you might have to encounter:
- Erratic reactions from the wheels
- Inconsistent steering feedback
- Zero response during each steering maneuver
- Flow turbulence
- Abnormal sounds
Changes In Fluid Color (Turning Black/Brown)
Over time, any car fluid will get contaminated by metal particles, debris, and dirt, changing the fluid’s red hues to darker black or brown shades.
This discoloration means your fluid has degraded beyond saving, no longer considered adequate hydraulic properties and lubrication.
And do not forget regular heat cycles, which break down the fluid to form varnish-like sludges. No steering system can retain its friction on such compromised fluids!
Failed Safety Inspections
Suppose none of the symptoms mentioned above register in your mind; then your failure in annual safety inspection checkups should serve as the wake-up call.
In regular tests like these, the examiners will likely check your steering systems for signals of bad fluids or leak power steering modules.
When their overall performance and efficiency are questioned, the chances of you passing the test will be extremely low.
If you still refuse to change your fluid after that, well… In that case, no one should be responsible for any accident or collision you might encounter in the future.
I also inspect the fluid whenever my car sends me the “Service power steering, Drive with care” message.
How to Replace 2010 Ford Fusion Power Steering Fluid? Should I Leave The Task to Mechanics?
How to Replace The Fluid On Your Own
The steps to replace steering fluid are straightforward – even for those who have never done it before. Just follow my steps:
Step one. Find the power steering fluid reservoir.
As mentioned, the reservoir is installed flush against the car’s firewall (near the engine compartment on your passenger side). It looks like white plastic jugs.
Step two. Pull off the cap.
Find the black cap atop the reservoir. Turn the cap counterclockwise to remove it completely from the reservoir.
Step three. Pump out your old fluid.
Now that your reservoir cap has been removed, use a pump to draw out all the old fluids. To keep your working space from getting messy, use a container to catch them.
Optional:
If you want to ensure not a single drop of old fluid remains:
- Disconnect the car’s fluid line
- Drain the entire system. Wiggle the wheel left to right to shake out the last fluid drops in the system.
Step four. Add new fluids, then return the cap
The process barely takes you more than 15 minutes, really. But remember not to overfill the fluid if you don’t want other issues to arise.
Should You Leave It To The Mechanics?
To each their own; there is no fixed rule here!
For inexperienced drivers or those that want to feel 100% sure the replacement is correctly carried out, bringing the car to repair shops would be the best bet.
Even the strongest, most powerful fluid services only take these technicians approximately one hour – and at a quite affordable price of $120.
But if you are proud of your mechanical and technical skills, I see no reason why you should not attempt the job yourself.
Buying the fluid at auto/hardware stores only costs 10$ to 20$, saving you from tons of financial burdens!
FAQs
Is The Service Power Steering Ford Fusion 2010 Electric?
Yes. More specifically, the 2010 Fusion line introduces both hydraulic and electric power steering. Double-check the manual or consult your dealer/retailer to confirm which one is your car’s.
Does The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Have Power Steering Pumps?
No, certain Hybrid models do not have pumps for the hydraulic power steering system.
Instead, they arrive with electric steering motors that provide the required assistance to your control system.
Conclusion
The 2010 Ford Fusion power steering location is easy to spot and access; hence, there are no excuses for neglecting frequent power steering investigations!
Inspect the 2010 Ford Fusion power steering fluids at least once every two months and fill them in if necessary. Write to me if you still need help on common power steering faults and accidents.