Intermittent moaning
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Intermittent moaning
I've got a 2001 Excursion with a 5.8 gasoline engine and just under 100,000 miles. A few weeks back she developed a moan that sounds like it's coming from the other side of the firewall from the steering wheel. Almost like a clarinet playing a low note for 5 to 10 seconds. Not related to travel speed, engine speed or brake useage. Any ideas?
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From: Central Coast of CA
You got an Ex with a 351 in it? 
All kidding aside, you mean a 6.8L V10, right? Or did you mean the 5.4L V8?
Does it only happen while driving down the road, or does it also happen just at idle, sitting in park?
Stewart
All kidding aside, you mean a 6.8L V10, right? Or did you mean the 5.4L V8?
Does it only happen while driving down the road, or does it also happen just at idle, sitting in park?
Stewart
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My bad... It's a 5.4l V8 engine. No lady under the hood, nor under the tires. I checked the PS fluid and it was a touch low, but not much... same for the brake fluid. Topped both off with the appropriate fluids in each. Thought it had gone away, but heard it again today coming back in from lunch. Happens intermittenly. Could be a full stop with hands off the wheel and foot off he brake. Generally seems to be noticed driving at 25 - 35 mph although that's likely because I spend more time doing that than sitting still.
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From: Hartford, WI
What is the condition of the fluid? Is it similar to what you are installing? Reason I ask is that my car has that issue and we flushed the old crap out with Amsoil and it is fine now.
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You got me here. The PS fluid is original to the vehicle and had a pinkish tint. What I had in my shop was clear. Added about 4 to 5 ounces to the resevoir. I presume a pinkish tint isn't unusual but don't have any idea how to judge fluid condition unless it smells burnt or looks brown.
The specific sound I'm hearing sounds a lot like a 6 second blown on my daughter's clarinet. A very "wind" harmonic type of noise. A moan in other words. Same for you?
The specific sound I'm hearing sounds a lot like a 6 second blown on my daughter's clarinet. A very "wind" harmonic type of noise. A moan in other words. Same for you?
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Joe Kucinski
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From: Central Coast of CA
You got me here. The PS fluid is original to the vehicle and had a pinkish tint. What I had in my shop was clear. Added about 4 to 5 ounces to the resevoir. I presume a pinkish tint isn't unusual but don't have any idea how to judge fluid condition unless it smells burnt or looks brown.
Stewart
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From: Greensboro, NC
I would definitely drain it out and use a good quality Mercon ATF. It sounds as though it may have been the Valvoline Synthetic fluid which is usually clear and definitely not intended for Ford power steering systems. When you drain and add fresh fluid you will have some air trapped in the system - just turn the wheel lock to lock 2-3 times each direction and it will purge the air.
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Tranny fluid goes in the PS and its actually a pinkish red.
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From: Hartford, WI
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I had a no-name brand bottle of "power steering fluid" on the shelf from years ago. It was clear and I presume ASE certified as power stering fluid. Anyhow, I'm off at lunch to get either Mercon or Amsoil and will fush the system.
Anyone seriously believe the intemittent clarinet moaning is going to be fixed by new fluid or am I kidding myself?
Anyone seriously believe the intemittent clarinet moaning is going to be fixed by new fluid or am I kidding myself?