Power Steering Problem/Question
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11
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From: Lake Forest Park, WA
Power Steering Problem/Question
My 92 aerostar (AWD) has just started to show intermittant steering probs, and I'm wondering if the pump is going, or what. When I start the engine, the steering works fine. After a few minutes of idle, the steering is stuck (pump not working) unless I rev, at which point the wheel "unfreezes". This also happened at a stop light last night- I was going to pull over, but when the light changed and I accelerated the steering started working again. Made it home ok. This morning I check the fluid, and it is full, but dirty (will change it). The belt *looks* ok, and there is no alarming screetch, as if it slipping. It is a little loud, but nothing out of the ordinary. I *have* noticed the engine whine is a bit louder than a couple of months ago, but again, nothing too much. This steering problem only started last night, so I haven't been driving it in this state. Any suggestions?
As an aside, I had to replace the heater core in back in November, and the post by aerocolorado was excellent.
Thanks!
Trout Dude
As an aside, I had to replace the heater core in back in November, and the post by aerocolorado was excellent.
Thanks!Trout Dude
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
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Sounds as if the pump is intermittently plugging. This could be from particulate matter from outside contamination or from internal mechanical wear. Least expensive route would be to flush the PS system thoroughly and see if this solves the problem. Here is an excellent flushing protocol posted by Mikeman. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...25252Bsteering
(BTW, glad the heater core advice was helpful)
(BTW, glad the heater core advice was helpful)
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 62
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Try flushing first as aerocolorado suggests, maybe the PS pump is going or it could be the rack and pinion assembly. When the problem happens do you have any streering at all? Even with the pump not working at all you should still be able to steer, like manual steering only much worse. If it is the rack and pinion I think it could lock up and no amount of effort would make it turn.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 58
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
My best guess is to check the power steering fluid... first thing to check is it's level... (though when it's low the entire system get's quite loud) secondly check the colour and status of the fluid is it dark or black? it should be much like the colour of clean motor oil. You probably need to flush the system. Of course it's always possible that there's a short in the power supply to the pump... I have no advice on how to find that one though 
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 435
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From: Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418
FoxyPaws,
The power steering pump is a totally mechanical pump and has no power supply.
Troutdude,
I agree with aerocolorado, do a flush of the fluid first. You might even consider putting in a filter on the return line.
Ron
The power steering pump is a totally mechanical pump and has no power supply.
Troutdude,
I agree with aerocolorado, do a flush of the fluid first. You might even consider putting in a filter on the return line.
Ron
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