Steering Noise (PSP???)

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Jun 7, 2011 | 02:50 PM

jasonc78

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Steering Noise (PSP???)

I've had several F350 diesels and always opt to work on them myself cuz of the stealerships... However, I have a problem I haven't seen before. The truck is a 2004 F350 6.0 diesel w/70k on the clock. Shortly after replacing the EGR valve (unrelated), I noticed a non-consistent soft whine when turning left. It has graduated to turning right as well but only at a stand still or low speeds and not all the time. I checked the power steering fluid which is good. Because of the hydrovac, this morning I opted to apply hard brake pressure at a stop and try to turn the steering wheel--it became very difficult almost like no power steering. If I took all pressure off of the brake, the power steering returned to normal but with the same slight whine. I greased the front end but with my small diagnosis, I'm starting to believe that the power steering pump might be on it's way out... Has anyone else seen/heard of this noise/problem? Or does anyone think that I'm spot on with a "going" bad pump? Or is there anything else aside from the box that might cause this noise?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated...

Jun 7, 2011 | 06:13 PM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

Start by flushing and changing the fluid. Often that solves the problem of low steering force. Might help with the whine too. I suggest Mobil 1 ATF synthetic. Be sure you do not use power steering fluid. Mercon ATF equivalent is the correct fluid.

Jun 12, 2011 | 02:34 PM

jasonc78

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Bill,
sorry for the delayed response but I took the recommendation of flushing the PS fluid today. I grabbed 4 quarts of mobil 1 atf and ran about 3 through. Topped it off with the remaining clean quart of atf and started the truck. The same intermittent creaking/whining is present. The funny thing is that the truck didn't make a peep when it was lifted and no load was on the front end... Took it for a drive and it's about the same although it seemed to make the noise slightly more on standstill/slow right hand turns... This noise just started this past winter while plowing. I have no idea of what it could be. I read somewhere that there is a small screen/filter on the high pressure line??? My next step was going to be to remove it and clean it out... Any idea's or thoughts???

Jun 12, 2011 | 03:59 PM

bpounds

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Too bad the fluid didn't fix it. I would only be guessing at any other ideas. I would try to work with a helper and get my head under it and try to isolate the component that is causing the noise. Pump, steering gear, brake booster, or belt.

Jun 12, 2011 | 08:49 PM

sand_fiend

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From: Ventura co.

I was going to post something similar. Last week i had the pressure line blow apart at the fitting. NO steering OR brakes.. thank god i had an open field to dive in to, to stop.
I removed the inner fender-well and inner cooler hose and replaced the line on the side of the road. I had asked the auto parts guy about the fluid. he said it was all the same. I thought different... anyway i put power steering fluid in. after running it and topping off it has a light whine at an idle. it makes no noise when turning or braking and go's away when the motor idles up. Im going to try this.. thanks for your post and good luck with your truck..

what is the best way to flush it ??

Jun 12, 2011 | 09:50 PM

bpounds

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From: Whittier, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by sand_fiend

what is the best way to flush it ??

Here is the procedure. I believe this procedure does the brake booster, but doesn't effectively flush the power steering gear. But it gets most of it. Since your system is contaminated now, you might want to do it twice, maybe after a few miles.
Ford Super Duty Power Steering Flush | Superdutypsd.com

Jun 15, 2011 | 09:14 PM

jasonc78

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Update:

So I've isolated the noise to something within the front (drivers side) wheel. I had someone turn left, right, left, right, and there was barely any symptoms of course... When I finally was able to duplicate the sound, it sounded like a bad bushing within the knuckle (?) or possibly something to do with the brakes on the drivers side. I know my brakes have only a few thousand miles left on them and didn't know if they had the wear indicators... It really sounds like a bushing on metal noise though... Any ideas before I start taking everything apart???