Power steering issues
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Power steering issues
I've got a bit of an odd (to me anyway) power steering issue on my 2001 Expedition. After a random amount of time driving, sometimes 5 minutes and sometimes 20-30 minutes, the power steering will feel as if it's working intermittently. As in, while I'm cornering, it feels as if the power steering will weaken or stop working and then resume.
I would say that it almost feels as if something is loose, but there is no play in the wheel; only in the assisted steering.
The pump was making noise, so I replaced it; problem persists, but so does the noise. I'm trying to figure out the next step I should take; replace the pump again? Look at the steering gear? Or something else? Any help would be appreciated.
I would say that it almost feels as if something is loose, but there is no play in the wheel; only in the assisted steering.
The pump was making noise, so I replaced it; problem persists, but so does the noise. I'm trying to figure out the next step I should take; replace the pump again? Look at the steering gear? Or something else? Any help would be appreciated.
Fleet Owner
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Could be sucking air into a leak in the return line to the pump. Also, what is the condition of the belt, is it worn where it's possibly slipping?
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And I should go back a little bit more... The pump had been making noise for almost 5 years, due to the fluid level being low back then. There was a leak, and I didn't always refill it quick enough. I figured the pump was burned; once I started having problems I assumed the pump finally started to fail.
So I don't know if the return line would still be a possibility? I could certainly check that out, but I havn't been noticing a leak if that's any indication.
And thanks for the response. I've been scratching my head about this one for a while now, worried the steering gear is bad.
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Upon a closer look, the PS reservoir was at the low mark. I'll have to try to figure out where it's leaking at tomorrow. The thing that troubles me is, it hadn't been leaking prior to replacing the pump, after I got the leak fixed years ago; what are the odds that something starts leaking now, causing the same symptoms?
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Well, I can't see anything leaking, and don't know where it'd be sucking air from, even though it is acting like air in the system. Could a bad steering gear cause the pump to sound weak or like there's air? Could air be entering the system from the gear somehow? I don't know enough about how steering systems work to know the answer...
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Yes it could be entering anywhere from there to the pump.
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Alloro, thanks for your help. Upon further inspection, I might have fixed it (fingers crossed!). When I replaced the pressure line, it seems I left the fitting at the steering box about 1/4 of a turn loose. After bleeding for a minute, the noise seems to have gone away.
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An update to this, and I've come to the conclusion that the steering gear most likely is faulty after all. Tightening that fitting helped for a day or 2, but the problem returned.
Which raises a possibly stupid question I have. My truck has an EVO power steering pump, but I'm confused on whether I need an EVO steering gear. Do all of these Expeditions have EVO, the difference being whether the valve (or whatever) is on either the pump or the gear, or do the trucks with EVO need to have both the gear and the pump set up for EVO?
If this has been answered before (I did search, but don't care for the search function on this site so gave up rather quick), or if I'm overthinking the situation, I apologize.
Which raises a possibly stupid question I have. My truck has an EVO power steering pump, but I'm confused on whether I need an EVO steering gear. Do all of these Expeditions have EVO, the difference being whether the valve (or whatever) is on either the pump or the gear, or do the trucks with EVO need to have both the gear and the pump set up for EVO?
If this has been answered before (I did search, but don't care for the search function on this site so gave up rather quick), or if I'm overthinking the situation, I apologize.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Central NYS
Expy/Navi built before 04/2001 are equipped with the EVO steering system. Vehicles with air suspension use the air suspension control module to monitor the SAS and control the EVO steering. Vehicles without air suspension use the EVO control module to control the EVO steering system.
If there is any electrical failure in the EVO system it will default to full power assist.
If you have air suspension you'll need a scan tool that can communicate with the air suspension control module.
If there is any electrical failure in the EVO system it will default to full power assist.
If you have air suspension you'll need a scan tool that can communicate with the air suspension control module.
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My truck was built 10/2000; does not have air suspension. The symptoms I'm experiencing are not indicative of an EVO failure, as you describe it. I'm fairly certain it's the steering gear.
My main question is whether I need to buy a gear with or without EVO. I know my power steering pump has EVO; I don't know if the EVO system comes installed on both the pump and the gear, or if it's an either/or situation. I apologize if I'm not asking the question correctly.
My main question is whether I need to buy a gear with or without EVO. I know my power steering pump has EVO; I don't know if the EVO system comes installed on both the pump and the gear, or if it's an either/or situation. I apologize if I'm not asking the question correctly.
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From: Central NYS
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Yet, there were mentions that the pumps were not different... But I know they are. I don't want to spend 150 bucks, plus whatever time is going to be involved, to get the wrong part - that's why I'm asking here. I don't want to spend the money and time and find out that I got the wrong damned thing.
Logistics Pro
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From: Central NYS
I don't know why they sell gear boxes with and without EVO. I'm *guessing* yours doesn't have EVO on the box, just on the pump. Does your gear box have an electrical connection?
May have to take hat in hand and visit your friendly Ford parts counter with your VIN # and ask them which your vehicle needs.
When you changed your pump did it come with the EVO or did you have to switch your EVO over to the new pump?
When you purged the PS system, how high a vacuum did you draw for how long?
In the meantime, this may be of interest:
http://my.cardone.com/techdocs/PT%2020-0024.pdf
May have to take hat in hand and visit your friendly Ford parts counter with your VIN # and ask them which your vehicle needs.
When you changed your pump did it come with the EVO or did you have to switch your EVO over to the new pump?
When you purged the PS system, how high a vacuum did you draw for how long?
In the meantime, this may be of interest:
http://my.cardone.com/techdocs/PT%2020-0024.pdf