steering problems
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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steering problems
I have a few problems with my steering. First, my steering whell has a lot of play in it. What is causing this and how do I fix it. My second question is...whenever I turn the wheel, I get a strong 'whirling' noise. Does anybody have any advise or tips??? I would appreciate any help.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,543
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From: Georgia
Originally Posted by montangrunt
power sterring fluid is fine. The play in the steering seems to be mechanical, and I have no idea what's cauing the 'whirling' noise.
Is it whining, sqealing bad?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 115
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From: Salem, MA
power steering pumps going or just abnormaly loud, mine has done this for the last 30k+ miles on my truck i have learned to deal with it, i might just wait till the pump dies till i fix it? It is a rather common problem with many ford vehicles. i would describe the sound my truck as a whining
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,543
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From: Georgia
You power steering pump is either getting ready to burn out on you or you have air in the steering system.
I read that another poster in a identicle thread pumped his old fluid out & replaced it with Luca's power sterring fluid & it worked for him.
I read that another poster in a identicle thread pumped his old fluid out & replaced it with Luca's power sterring fluid & it worked for him.
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Junior User
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where is the power steering pump and how hard is it to replace? Also, do you know how to fix the 'play' in my steering
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
Originally Posted by montangrunt
where is the power steering pump and how hard is it to replace? Also, do you know how to fix the 'play' in my steering
The play in your steering can be cause by many different factor from bent radius arms, bad bushings, bad tie rods, and so one.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,543
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From: Georgia
power steering pump should be on the Driver's side it I remember correctly. It is very hard to miss. It will be the only thing with a fluid reservoir that has a belt attached to it. It is driven by the serpentine belt on the front of your engine.
If your engine is clean it should have yellow script written on top the the reservoir fill cap.
If your engine is clean it should have yellow script written on top the the reservoir fill cap.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 155
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From: El Paso Texas
Originally Posted by parks911
What year truck do you have & what engine?
The play in your steering can be cause by many different factor from bent radius arms, bad bushings, bad tie rods, and so one.
The play in your steering can be cause by many different factor from bent radius arms, bad bushings, bad tie rods, and so one.
Yep. And essentially, it's a matter of process of elimination. Your truck is 16 years old, and the bushings are probably getting mushy....Good time to start replacing them. Play is usually caused by a worn bushing or connector, such as a tie rod end, that is allowing one or both wheels to move independently of the steering box. You will need to isolate and correct the source of the play before having the truck aligned, or it will not hold the alignment. A tire with a tread separation can also cause the vehicle to wander (sometimes badly).