Power Steering Howl
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Power Steering Howl
Hey Guys....
My 89 F150 is "howling" every time I turn the wheel. I have checked the fluid level, and it is fine. She has about 120k miles on her, so I suspect it is the power steering pump. I priced one at Advance, $39.99 for pump and resivior. My questions are, is there any specific way to determine if it is the pump or not? and, with my moderate mechanical skills, will I be able to replace it without much trouble?
Thanks for your help ,
Jim Prince
My 89 F150 is "howling" every time I turn the wheel. I have checked the fluid level, and it is fine. She has about 120k miles on her, so I suspect it is the power steering pump. I priced one at Advance, $39.99 for pump and resivior. My questions are, is there any specific way to determine if it is the pump or not? and, with my moderate mechanical skills, will I be able to replace it without much trouble?
Thanks for your help ,
Jim Prince
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 291
Likes: 1
From: Central Texas
To replace the pump, the pulley will have to removed with a power steering pump pulley remover. They generally loan them when you purchase a new pump. Remove the belt, then remove the pulley, disconnect the lines going to the steering box at the pump, and then remove the 3 bolts holding the pump in
place. Install the new pump, reattach the lines, install the pulley using the bolt supplied with the new pump, reinstall the belt , fill the resoviour, then follow the directions for getting air out of the system.
place. Install the new pump, reattach the lines, install the pulley using the bolt supplied with the new pump, reinstall the belt , fill the resoviour, then follow the directions for getting air out of the system.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
Does it sound almost like a whine? If so, that is a common noise on all Ford pumps. Maybe take it to a mechanic and have them listen to it. They have probably heard it before. Just trying to save you some $$$ and time! 
-Matt
-Matt
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 354
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From: Memphis, TN USA
I have come across a thread before with someone having similar issues about power steering and they tried adding some 1/16 or 1 ounce SeaFoam Motor Tune-Up on the power steering fluid reservoir and it fixes their problem.
They used the rest of the Seafoam stuff to clear the intake, engine components off carbon build up.
They used the rest of the Seafoam stuff to clear the intake, engine components off carbon build up.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 297
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I know this sounds obvious, but be sure the cap is seated well on the reservoir unit. Can't tell you how many times I had a not very good dealer leave that cap not properly sealed after routine maintenance and I had a similar noise. The system does have to have proper pressure to work without making a lot of noise. Just a thought. Those caps don't hold all that tight on these older units, at least with my 1988 F-250 - it's important that they seat properly.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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I had the same problem. My pump was really howling and growning. It was full of fluid. I put Lucas power steering stuff? not sure of the exact name, lucas power steering additave or something. I got it at autozone It really quited down the the pump and made it sound better.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 297
Likes: 6
Actually, there may be a time when the old power steering fluid should be replaced. A very good mechanic that does basic maintenance on my trucks now at a good local dealer suggested to me that I should probably do that next time on my old 1988. It is called a power steering flush. Not sure if it matters with the whine, but it's worth considering. Have yet to have a problem with a power steering pump unless it was leaking and then they can usually be resealed very effectively. But, then they get all new fluid too at the time.
This will be the first time I have ever done a power steering flush even with higher mileage vehicle, but the age is a factor too here at nearly 16 years old.
This will be the first time I have ever done a power steering flush even with higher mileage vehicle, but the age is a factor too here at nearly 16 years old.
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