power steering noise

mjunk1 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 08:23 PM

I have had my '01 SCrew for about a month and have noticed a whine from the power steering since I got it. The unit seems to function fine and is not sticking or hanging up - it uses no fluid. But it makes noise when you are turning the wheel - especially when you are stopped or turning into or out of parking spots, etc. I really don't think it is anything - I think it is just louder than I am used to in other vehicles I have owned.

Can you all hear your power steering unit pretty well too? Is it typical for these trucks?

I went ahead and had the unit flushed the other day since it has 100k on it, but it didn't make much of a difference.

Thanks for the feedback.

phil6608 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-18-2008, 01:49 AM

I can not here my power-steering at all in my 03 Screw.

sheetsd66 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-18-2008, 08:27 AM

Mine's been doing it for over 100,000 miles and it hasn't hurt anything yet. I read a TSB a long time ago that explained how to fix it, but I ain't gonna do it if it isn't really broken.

97Handshaker · #4 (**permalink**) 02-18-2008, 05:31 PM

i can hear mine whine

Ford Fx4 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-18-2008, 05:38 PM

My 02 F150 made the same noise before i got rid of it and I added a bottle and a half of Lucas power steering stop leak and the noises went away( mine was not leaking either ). Got it at Auto Zone for about 4-5 bucks a bottle.

twp · #6 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 02:39 PM

I have a 01 supercrew that does the same thing. I thought it might have been the 35'' tires that was on it. I have only have the truck since January.

I think I might have to give the Lucas power steering stop leak a try Ford Fx4. I also have the altinator whine also. It drives my crazzy, I dont like any noises like that you can hear, over the motor.

Tim

OhThreeF150NC · #7 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 08:48 PM

I have had my 03 150 for 3 years and the power steering has made noise the entire time. I was told by the local mechanic that it is typical and there is not really anything that can be done.

superdutymj · #8 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 08:51 PM

i can't hear anything from my '98s powersteering, 225,000mi and all.

dafireman · #9 (**permalink**) 02-20-2008, 09:15 PM

'03 King ranch-same thing. It is annoying!!!!

DMH · #10 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008, 01:23 AM

same on mine 03 6.0 super crew, very annoying

96f150 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008, 07:23 AM

Here Here, I've got it too on my 01, although its not the typical ford pump whine, like I had on my 96. There was a link somewhere, that you could retro-fit a Saginaw Pump to get rid of the noise, but I'm not gonna go that route.
Rich

Manitoulin · #12 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008, 05:55 PM

that sound is the steering pump cavitating.

DMH · #13 (**permalink**) 02-29-2008, 02:23 AM

my ps fluid was a little low, and I'll bet it was cavitating, thansk for the info on that, i stress the ps fluid was just a bit low, I added some ATF and after about 3-4 days of driving that irritating noise decreased in frequency but not in decibel level until it finally went away completely yesterday. Fingers crossed. I get the feeling that I have to baby my 4x4 because it's a 2003 6.0. and have heard so many negative things. Had 3 GMs in a row they were gassers but I wanted a diesel and I see moreF350's around than the duramax so I went with FORD. I did buy a obd2 reader just to be edumacated.

F4L956 · #14 (**permalink**) 02-29-2008, 05:28 PM

not to jack up this thread but ??? my dad has a 5.4 99f150 4x4 but sometimes when i drive it the steering wheel gets kind of hard to steer, lets say when i stop to park for some reason & other times steering is smoother anybody encounter this before, dont understand why, i havent had a chance to checkout if any leak or level low but just thought i get some feedback on situation!

thanks!!

KingRanchMan02 · #15 (**permalink**) 02-29-2008, 05:33 PM

Check the fluid level. Good luck!