So about a 3 weeks ago, I noticed a whine from my power steering. I also noticed the whine got louder when coming to a stop while applying the brakes. Added some power steering fluid, the whine dissapeared. Yesterday, the same symptoms occured again. Added some more power steering fluid and dissapeared again. I checked everything for visible leaks and found nothing. Any ideas guys?

 

If you added power steering fluid in the pump, you need to flush it out and put ATF in there.

 

Interesting. My truck did the exact same thing but it was a leaking powersteering return hose. Is the fluid visibly lower when you add more fluid/ATF?

 

Really? I added it where the dipstick is. I guess that's adding it to the pump? Sorry for the newb questions rick. I've never dealt with power steering issues. So i need to flush it and add tranny fluid. i thought it looked reddish when i was adding it.
What the point in power steering fluid then?

 

Just barely. I can add two or three cap-fulls and the whine dissappears.

 

Even the cap says power steering fluid, but it does take ATF. The brakes gets it's boost from the power steering pump. Get a couple quarts of Moble-1 and flush it. I bet it would sound better.

Here is how to do the flush. LINK

 

Ford says ATF is the best to run in our pumps. I think most will recommend a synthetic ATF to help lower the whine the pumps make. FYI the brakes are also powered by the power steering pump so that's why you can feel it in your brake pedal when the fluid is low.

 

I just did the flush yesterday, easy peasy. I used Mobile 1 full syn ATF and it made a world of difference.

 

looks like i'll be getting 2 quarts of Synthetic ATF then.
how do i flush it?

 

Look at post #6.

 

follow that link, the process is super easy if you have a helper to turn the wheel and pump the brakes. The write up suggests getting the front wheels off the ground but I didn't and it worked fine. I used 3 quarts for the whole process, 2 full quarts to flush it really good and 1 to top off the pump.

 

Oops. Thanks guys. Ill post results.

 

I cannot find mobile1 syn anywhere. Is there another synthetic i can use?

 

Neat write up I think I'm gonna do it for the hell of it. Thanks for the link Rick .

 

You are welcome David.
Get a quart or two and we can get it done Sunday. I'll call you later today.