I have a 2008 F-450 4x4 DRW with only 25,000 miles on it. Long story of how the problem occurred so i will skip it and just get to it. So about 4 ounces of Bars Leaks liquid aluminum cooling system stop leak was accidentally put into the power steering reservoir and now ive got a problem. I flushed out the power steering system twice already once at the return line of the cooler and the other time off of the hydro-boost return line. Problem is that the power steering hardly works and same with the brakes. On the second flush no other contaminants came out only the dark red mercon v. I also added an inline filter on the return line going into the cooler from the steering gear. The pump makes a surging sound every 5-10 seconds as well and if i press the brake pedal in while simultaneously turning the steering wheel it makes the noise as well but louder. So what kind of damage am i looking at here? Possible that air just got into the system(if so how does one bleed it out) or am i going to be busy this weekend tearing into her and replacing things?

Here is a video hopefully you can make out the surging noise and sorry it was taken with my phone.

6.4pspn.mp4 - YouTube

 

I heard it. How much have you driven it since you have cleaned it out? Sounds like a new pump is in your future but don't do it yet.

I really don't have experience with the hydro boost system so lets see what everyone else thinks.

 

sorry i don't have an answer, but don't ever use bars in your truck, your probably gonna cause thousands of dollars of damage!


hope you can figure it out!

 

@senix

not much at all becuase its all backroads and curves and without either working very well its a workout and kinda dangerous.

@slowmans

yeah i knew that before i used it but i just needed it to pass inspection prior to getting an esp b/c local ford said the radiator was leaking so it was already gonna cost me 1900.00 for ford to replace (radiator,hoses,thermostat,fluid,etc). Said it wasnt covered under warranty.

 

Maybe high idle it for some time with the cap off the resevoir. Turn the wheels back and forth while on the high idle.

I'd probably put the front end up on stands so the tires are off the ground and free so turning will be easier.

If there is any air then that should work it out.

 

Ive tried going lock to lock with the cap off but not at high idle. Ill give it a try in the morning seems how its still on jack stands. Thanks for your input so far.

 

I am thinking you are going to have to run it till you are up to normal operating temps.

 

I would flush it one more time. Transmission fluid has lots of detergents so it may clean itself out if that is the problem. Do what Senix said to get the air out of the system. Good luck. Worst case scenario, probably a damaged pump,

 

Well still no luck. I let it run till it got up to normal operating temps and turned the wheel back and forth and it hasnt gotten any better or worse. How much of a pain would it be to replace the pump and should i get a motorcraft replacement in order to still qualify for an esp or does that not matter. Thanks

 

Why is your truck not under warranty at 25,xxx miles. I saw a post not long ago saying they were covering cooling systems under warranty again. I had mine replaced a month ago at 98,xxx miles and ford didn't hassle me on the warranty. And also at 25,xxx miles is the power steering not covered under warranty? Or is the problem with it not working getting it to the dealer ?

 

Many are coming out of warranty as they are past the 5 year mark. Some were sold in 2007

 

Ahhh I must have missed the part where you said you had an 08 like me, I guess in my mind when I saw 25 k I figured it was a 2010 ha. It sounds like when the stop leak went through the pump it trashed it. You might have luck taking the pump off and taking it apart and flushing it. Depending on price, your probably better off replacing it. That's what I did on my 04. And depending on how long your gonna have the truck, most times it's easier to buy a pump from like auto zone or one of those. They have good warranty programs and are generally considerably cheaper

 

Yea unfortunately it was sold in july 07. About the pump im still wanting to get an esp but first have to get this fixed so my question is will it need to be a motorcraft replacement or can i slap an aftermarket one on and not have to worry about ford covering it if a problem does arise down the road?

 

I'd go motorcraft myself. It sounds like that is gonna be your fix based upon the turn of events.

 

You should be able to slap an aftermarket pump on it. When applying for an ESP I think they are more concerned in making sure everything is working rather then what parts have been added to it. They would have to do some serious digging through the truck to find out its not a factory pump. I think you should be ok. But I would call and find out the price on a aftermarket vs a ford pump and base your decision off that. As much as your gonna pay for the ESP, I would save as much as I could right now to get in good working order. Just my .02