Power Steering Whine

MidNiteBlu 5.0 · 06-25-2002, 11:53 PM

Ok my power steering pump whines REALLY loudly. Like when im just cruising in 2nd gear at about 2000 rpms you can hear it even over the flowmasters. This happens when im not even turning. I just thought maybe it was normal but now i am beginning to think something may be wrong. I dont have any problems steering its just really really loud. Thanks for your help!

BTW its the stock pump with 100k miles on it.

Later,
Nick

06-26-2002, 12:11 AM

Needs fluid, probably leaks.

Mr 5 0 · 06-26-2002, 09:17 AM

It's a Ford thing - very common.

Suggest you change the fluid and see if that helps, otherwise just ignore it, unless you want to pop for a new/rebuilt PS pump, which seems unnecessary from a practical standpoint.

Mine has 117,000 on it and it's only slightly noticable - but I change the fluid on a yearly basis (and have since the car was new) which may make the difference.

RPM427 · 06-26-2002, 11:45 AM

When you change the fliud, make sure you bleed all of the air out of the lines, otherwise it will make noises.

Chevyguy · 06-26-2002, 12:49 PM

I would do a flush and refill on your PS fluid. To do this, disconnect the return line from the pump. Drain out what comes out from that fitting. Block off the fitting hole in the pump. Direct the return line to a oil drain pan. Fill up the pump, then crank over the motor till it belches out all the PS fluid. Repeat twice to flush out the rack.

Reconnect the return line, and fill the pump. Start the motor and turn back and forth all the way a few times, recheck the fluid level. This should help work out air in the system. If it is still stubborn, you can get a hand vacuum pump and remove the fill cap and pull vacuum on the system while the engine is running. This is a Ford TSB and it was mentioned with the paperwork that came with my rebuild PS pump. I was able to bleed the system without pulling vacuum on my car.

The pump could be ultimately shot, it's kinda a pain to remove, as you can't remove the pump without pulling off the pulley first. Not much room to do it with the radiator still in place.

BTDT

MidNiteBlu 5.0 · 06-26-2002, 01:02 PM

Hey thanks guys. I am going to go check the fluid level now.

Joe50 · 06-26-2002, 02:00 PM

When I put my underdrive pulleys on my power steering pump shut up, but you know how a lot of people don't like pulleys.

06-25-2002, 11:53 PM	#1
MidNiteBlu 5.0 I got something to say Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,557	Power Steering Whine Ok my power steering pump whines REALLY loudly. Like when im just cruising in 2nd gear at about 2000 rpms you can hear it even over the flowmasters. This happens when im not even turning. I just thought maybe it was normal but now i am beginning to think something may be wrong. I dont have any problems steering its just really really loud. Thanks for your help! BTW its the stock pump with 100k miles on it. Later, Nick __________________ 91 LX Hatch 5.0 - made for the twisties 89 LX Hatchback 5.0 5spd. stolen/stripped 4/7/05 http://www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/...splay.cgi?3494 1987 Toyota Pickup Ricer Haters Club Member #33 Want a custom gauge cluster for your Vintage Mustang? www.jmeenterprises.com

06-26-2002, 09:17 AM	#3
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	PS pump Whine It's a Ford thing - very common. Suggest you change the fluid and see if that helps, otherwise just ignore it, unless you want to pop for a new/rebuilt PS pump, which seems unnecessary from a practical standpoint. Mine has 117,000 on it and it's only slightly noticable - but I change the fluid on a yearly basis (and have since the car was new) which may make the difference.

06-26-2002, 11:45 AM	#4
RPM427 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Huntington NY Posts: 573	When you change the fliud, make sure you bleed all of the air out of the lines, otherwise it will make noises. __________________ -1993 Mustang, 900rwhp 03-04 cobra based 4v swap, full Griggs setup, project underway -1994 Ranger w/ 427cid windsor (daily beater) check it out!

06-26-2002, 12:49 PM	#5
Chevyguy Backyard Mechanic/Chemist Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Acton MA USA Posts: 435	I would do a flush and refill on your PS fluid. To do this, disconnect the return line from the pump. Drain out what comes out from that fitting. Block off the fitting hole in the pump. Direct the return line to a oil drain pan. Fill up the pump, then crank over the motor till it belches out all the PS fluid. Repeat twice to flush out the rack. Reconnect the return line, and fill the pump. Start the motor and turn back and forth all the way a few times, recheck the fluid level. This should help work out air in the system. If it is still stubborn, you can get a hand vacuum pump and remove the fill cap and pull vacuum on the system while the engine is running. This is a Ford TSB and it was mentioned with the paperwork that came with my rebuild PS pump. I was able to bleed the system without pulling vacuum on my car. The pump could be ultimately shot, it's kinda a pain to remove, as you can't remove the pump without pulling off the pulley first. Not much room to do it with the radiator still in place. BTDT __________________ 2001 Crown Vic Maurader Airbox/MAF, DR chip Edel IAS shocks Single exhaust :wtf: 93 P-71 Vic interceptor Backup car now 90 5.0 LX Notch SOLD 74 Chevy Laguna type S-3 454 under construction Currently apart undergoing bodywork.

06-26-2002, 01:02 PM	#6
MidNiteBlu 5.0 I got something to say Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,557	Hey thanks guys. I am going to go check the fluid level now. __________________ 91 LX Hatch 5.0 - made for the twisties 89 LX Hatchback 5.0 5spd. stolen/stripped 4/7/05 http://www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/...splay.cgi?3494 1987 Toyota Pickup Ricer Haters Club Member #33 Want a custom gauge cluster for your Vintage Mustang? www.jmeenterprises.com

06-26-2002, 12:11 AM	#2
rbatson Guest Posts: n/a	Needs fluid, probably leaks.

06-26-2002, 02:00 PM	#7
Joe50 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 78	When I put my underdrive pulleys on my power steering pump shut up, but you know how a lot of people don't like pulleys. __________________ "Drive it like you stole it!" '94 Vibrant Red GT

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