Just replaced a bad pump in my truck and was curious what the overall capacity for the PS system is.....just want to make sure I buy enough fluid to fill it up.

 

Ford doesn't say how much. Most systems only take about a quart. If you have 2 you"ll be covered.

 

Thanks! Got it installed and filled up....

but now it's only working in one direction....I sure hope that valve is clogged and not trashed.....it's expensive....

 

You should not do a quick startup but prime the pump an line first.
With wheels out the ground turn steering wheel lock to lock about 10 times.
Do not fill to high as it may overflow went turning. The level should drop as you turn wheel.

Also you car remove the coil wire and crank engine 15-20 sec. a few times before starting helps as to not start up with dry unprimed pump can damage it..
If it's got a cooler it may take longer to prime.
4wd power assist takes longer to prime.
Orich

 

My mechanic guys recommended hand turning it a few times before attaching belt to prime, which I did....after flushing the system to get the old fluid out....did the jack up and lock to lock, which seemed fine, but once it's on the ground, only right turning (compressing the cylinder) has power assist....on the left turns (expanding the cylinder) I have no power and I can see that the belt seems to start "jumping" and doesn't run tight like in right turns. Reservoir says it's full.....gonna cycle it a few more times today before taking it to the pros to see if my valve is clogged/trashed.

 

I'd Try opening a cyl lines for any air in them before paying to have it checked
orich

 

Great idea! Thanks!

 

Well, got in this morning and soon after driving lost both directions of power asisst....checked the fluid, and it was low, so I thought, "great maybe it's all settled down in there...."

Came back home and lifter front end and filled reservoir up and did the lock-to-lock thing 10-12 times.....I even used my hands on the tire to turn and it feels as if there is some assist, as it's relatively easy to push it lock-to-lock....but once it's back on the ground....no power whatsoever....

The belt does not appear to be doing it's "jumping thing" and it keeps blowing the dipstick out and spraying fluid all over the engine compartment....

What an f'n PITA!!!

 

That pump is trying to work. Did anything else happen besides the pump? Something seeming like it wouldn't make a difference? Sounds like it's the control valve but I'm hopin' not.

 

If you want to try taking it apart and cleaning it try the Local Parts stores 1st for a reseal kit. The Ford numbers I would suggest are D4TZ3A650A valve repair kit and D4TZ3A533A ball and stud kit. Trouble is the only place that shows the 3A650 is Bob Allen Ford and they are REAL proud of their parts. EXPENSIVE. 913-381-2999. They do also show the 3A533. So does 3 or 4 more. Let me know if you need the list of the other places with the 3A533.

 

The last couple of times I have replaced it, I have gone with a rebuilt unit from NPD....It's only $225....but carries a $500 core charge.....then there's always the worry if my core is not rebuildable for some reason.

I did have a local shop build me a cylinder out of Two cores I found, so perhaps they can rebuild mine for cheaper than $225....will look into it.

 

So, an update.....I am at a loss for what is broken....

After noticing several times that the power worked when turning left, but when I turned right I would get an overflow of fluid from the pump, so I reasoned that perhaps that line to the cylinder is bad or clogged, clearly the pump was trying to work, as the belt would squeal and it would even effect the idle of the engine a bit.

So, replaced that line and did another round of side to side....now, occasionally it works....not sure what makes it work or not work, but some mornings, or later in the day, suddenly, I have Power steering again....great to the left, a little squeaky to the right, but working better than before....

But, after a while, it stops....sometimes comes back, often does not.....

I read one article that suggests replacing all the lines every 5 years, which I am clearly behind on for the other 3 lines.....could this be the issue, or does it sound more like a bad pump or valve.....seems to me the valve must be working for it to work at all...???

So confused....what a great time for my long time shop to decide they no longer want my business.....