Notices
6.4L Power Stroke Diesel Engine fitted to 2008 - 2010 F250, F350 and F450 pickup trucks and F350 + Cab Chassis

Power steering/hydro-boost problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 13, 2012 | 05:34 PM
  #1  
matagilb89's Avatar
matagilb89
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Power steering/hydro-boost problem

I have a 2008 F-450 4x4 DRW with only 25,000 miles on it. Long story of how the problem occurred so i will skip it and just get to it. So about 4 ounces of Bars Leaks liquid aluminum cooling system stop leak was accidentally put into the power steering reservoir and now ive got a problem. I flushed out the power steering system twice already once at the return line of the cooler and the other time off of the hydro-boost return line. Problem is that the power steering hardly works and same with the brakes. On the second flush no other contaminants came out only the dark red mercon v. I also added an inline filter on the return line going into the cooler from the steering gear. The pump makes a surging sound every 5-10 seconds as well and if i press the brake pedal in while simultaneously turning the steering wheel it makes the noise as well but louder. So what kind of damage am i looking at here? Possible that air just got into the system(if so how does one bleed it out) or am i going to be busy this weekend tearing into her and replacing things?

Here is a video hopefully you can make out the surging noise and sorry it was taken with my phone.

6.4pspn.mp4 - YouTube
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2012 | 06:40 PM
  #2  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,380
Likes: 1,864
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
I heard it. How much have you driven it since you have cleaned it out? Sounds like a new pump is in your future but don't do it yet.

I really don't have experience with the hydro boost system so lets see what everyone else thinks.
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2012 | 07:24 PM
  #3  
slowmans's Avatar
slowmans
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 90
From: SE. MA
sorry i don't have an answer, but don't ever use bars in your truck, your probably gonna cause thousands of dollars of damage!


hope you can figure it out!
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2012 | 07:32 PM
  #4  
matagilb89's Avatar
matagilb89
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
@senix

not much at all becuase its all backroads and curves and without either working very well its a workout and kinda dangerous.

@slowmans

yeah i knew that before i used it but i just needed it to pass inspection prior to getting an esp b/c local ford said the radiator was leaking so it was already gonna cost me 1900.00 for ford to replace (radiator,hoses,thermostat,fluid,etc). Said it wasnt covered under warranty.
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2012 | 07:39 PM
  #5  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,380
Likes: 1,864
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
Maybe high idle it for some time with the cap off the resevoir. Turn the wheels back and forth while on the high idle.

I'd probably put the front end up on stands so the tires are off the ground and free so turning will be easier.

If there is any air then that should work it out.
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2012 | 08:32 PM
  #6  
matagilb89's Avatar
matagilb89
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Ive tried going lock to lock with the cap off but not at high idle. Ill give it a try in the morning seems how its still on jack stands. Thanks for your input so far.
 
Reply
Old Jul 13, 2012 | 08:51 PM
  #7  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,380
Likes: 1,864
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by matagilb89
Ive tried going lock to lock with the cap off but not at high idle. Ill give it a try in the morning seems how its still on jack stands. Thanks for your input so far.
I am thinking you are going to have to run it till you are up to normal operating temps.
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2012 | 03:29 AM
  #8  
TIRE FRYER's Avatar
TIRE FRYER
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Whittier, CA
I would flush it one more time. Transmission fluid has lots of detergents so it may clean itself out if that is the problem. Do what Senix said to get the air out of the system. Good luck. Worst case scenario, probably a damaged pump,
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-7

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jul 14, 2012 | 05:39 PM
  #9  
matagilb89's Avatar
matagilb89
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Well still no luck. I let it run till it got up to normal operating temps and turned the wheel back and forth and it hasnt gotten any better or worse. How much of a pain would it be to replace the pump and should i get a motorcraft replacement in order to still qualify for an esp or does that not matter. Thanks
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2012 | 06:55 PM
  #10  
catman52987's Avatar
catman52987
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Midway Ky
Why is your truck not under warranty at 25,xxx miles. I saw a post not long ago saying they were covering cooling systems under warranty again. I had mine replaced a month ago at 98,xxx miles and ford didn't hassle me on the warranty. And also at 25,xxx miles is the power steering not covered under warranty? Or is the problem with it not working getting it to the dealer ?
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2012 | 07:09 PM
  #11  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,380
Likes: 1,864
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by catman52987
Why is your truck not under warranty at 25,xxx miles. I saw a post not long ago saying they were covering cooling systems under warranty again. I had mine replaced a month ago at 98,xxx miles and ford didn't hassle me on the warranty. And also at 25,xxx miles is the power steering not covered under warranty? Or is the problem with it not working getting it to the dealer ?
Many are coming out of warranty as they are past the 5 year mark. Some were sold in 2007
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2012 | 07:27 PM
  #12  
catman52987's Avatar
catman52987
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Midway Ky
Ahhh I must have missed the part where you said you had an 08 like me, I guess in my mind when I saw 25 k I figured it was a 2010 ha. It sounds like when the stop leak went through the pump it trashed it. You might have luck taking the pump off and taking it apart and flushing it. Depending on price, your probably better off replacing it. That's what I did on my 04. And depending on how long your gonna have the truck, most times it's easier to buy a pump from like auto zone or one of those. They have good warranty programs and are generally considerably cheaper
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2012 | 07:48 PM
  #13  
matagilb89's Avatar
matagilb89
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Yea unfortunately it was sold in july 07. About the pump im still wanting to get an esp but first have to get this fixed so my question is will it need to be a motorcraft replacement or can i slap an aftermarket one on and not have to worry about ford covering it if a problem does arise down the road?
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2012 | 08:00 PM
  #14  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,380
Likes: 1,864
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
I'd go motorcraft myself. It sounds like that is gonna be your fix based upon the turn of events.
 
Reply
Old Jul 14, 2012 | 08:02 PM
  #15  
catman52987's Avatar
catman52987
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Midway Ky
You should be able to slap an aftermarket pump on it. When applying for an ESP I think they are more concerned in making sure everything is working rather then what parts have been added to it. They would have to do some serious digging through the truck to find out its not a factory pump. I think you should be ok. But I would call and find out the price on a aftermarket vs a ford pump and base your decision off that. As much as your gonna pay for the ESP, I would save as much as I could right now to get in good working order. Just my .02
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:26 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-6
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-7
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-8
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE