This may not be the correct forum section, but thought I would try here first. About a month ago, the power steering pump on our 66 F250 started to make a lot of noise - more than normal as I know these are noisy to begin with. A little background: the front axle came from a 79 with the power steering set up and disc brakes. So, we replaced the pump and the noise is better but still louder than seems normal. I wonder if 1) we just happened to get a lemon rebuilt pump or 2) is it possible for the power steering box to be noisy? We just replaced the box with a rebuilt unit from Red Head - its less than a year old. Could the box be making the noise?

 

Did you burp the air? I would also make sure that the power steering pully lines up properly with the crank pully.

 

If by burbing, you mean filling the reservior and then working the wheel back and forth a number of times, refilling as needed, then yes I did that. As for the alignment I believe that is dialed in too. Is there a technical way to check that other than by eye?

 

There is an extensive write up on the 77-79 box and pump issues here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1125755-78-and-79-power-steering-fix.html[/URL]

 

I have found Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak to be an excellent noise reducer in ps pumps. I recommend give it a try.



John

 

are the kingpins free? tight kingpins can cause noise out of the pump.

 

I assume that is compatible with the Type F fluid in the pump?

 

Redid the kingpins over a year ago and never had an issue with the old pump for a long while before it went south.

 

So, there is no chance the noise could be the steering box itself?

 

Hoss, I am way over in NC, never seen or heard your truck, I am responding to your 1st post, "About a month ago, the power steering pump on our 66 F250 started to make a lot of noise". I am not much on snake oils but had the Lucus recommended, tried it and it worked.

Can you lift the front wheels off the ground? Do so and turn the steering wheel coast to coast about 10-12 times. crank the truck and see if the noise is still there while slowly turning the wheel. You may need to draw some of the fluid out of the reservoir to add the Lucus.


John

 

Guys, seriously read though the link I posted in post # 4. All these issues are well addressed with Ford bleed procedures, Ford TSB's, etc. The 77-79 box ps lines enter the box below the highest pint on the box. Air can be trapped in there forever if not bled thoroughly. One of the other FTE members came up with a solution to get all the air out that doesn't cost any money - just time.

 

1978/79 Ford C-II P/S pump has a plastic reservoir. The P/S pressure hose attaches to the pump w/a qwik connect fitting.

1966/77 Ford/Thompson P/S pump has a steel reservoir. The P/S pressure hose threads onto the pump.

 

Plastic reservoir - its a 79 style.

Gonna try lifting the front end and trying the 20 step + process suggested on the other thread mentioned. Seems simple enough and if it doesn't work I'll try the stop leak. Odd though that we had the whole engine bay apart a year ago and when we reinstalled the pump that came in the truck (an aftermarket part) the PS burped just fine and was relatively quiet. How we managed to get air in the system this time with the new pump and not last time is a mystery. This is what makes if fun

 

It was my understanding you recently replaced the box with a redhead which is why I suggested the posts from the other thread. However, if you had no noise after replacing the box, and you woke up one day and the pump was noisy all of a sudden, then it would point to something mechanically binding in the steering making it harder on the PS pump, or air in the pump, or metal (finite) in the pump. Jacking the vehicle off the ground is a good first step, then you can also disconnect the drag link from the pitman arm on the steering box and push and pull on either tire all the way lock to lock to confirm kingpins and all else is free. Ive seen "new" kingpins bind up after sitting for a spell...

 

That is exactly correct 1964FordTuf. One day everything was fine and the next the PS pump was shouting at me loudly. Our first thought was to change the pump since we had no idea how old it was. However, as I noted, the new pump is only slightly less noise than the old one. That was what prompted my question about the steering box - but that is new too. I suppose the king pins could have tightened up some how and I will take your advice to check that out when we have the truck lifted in the front. Not sure if we will get to that this weekend but soon.