It takes special eqipment to flush the PS fluid. Get a turkey baster and suck all the fluid out of the PS reservoir and refill it. Do this several times and you will have effectively changed the fluid.
Ford escort has a power steering fluid capacity of one point. The manufacturer recommends that you never overfill the power steering fluid.
Power Steering Pump Reservoir.
Flush it
It probably needs power steering fluid added.
According to the 1998 Ford Escort Owner Guide : ( Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used as the power steering fluid )
If it doesn't specifically say power steering fluid only you can use Mercon automatic transmission fluid.
I paid $ 129.99 at the GM dealership for power steering flush & fill with synthetic fluid.
You need to flush the power steering fluid on a 2003 Toyota Highlander every two to three years. You should check the fluid levels weekly.
You can use any kind of PS fluid you want as long as it's labeled, "Power Steering fluid".
Use mercron automatic tranmission fluid and do not overfill.
Unless the cap on the reservoir says use Power Steering Fluid only use Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid.
You will screw your steering system. You need to flush steering system ASAP. And of course do not drive with engine oil in steering.