power steering problem
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Junior User
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power steering problem
i have a 97 f-150 XLT with 101k on it, and over the past month or so, i have bee noticining that when i start up my truck and turn the wheel, it squeaks very loud, (i can hear it inside with the door closed). i asked around, and it sounds like it may be the power steering pump. it only happend when i turn the wheel. any help would be appreciated. thanks
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Springdale Arkansas
It is likely the pitman arm and/or the ball joints in the front end. Not a cheap repair if you have Ford do it. I replaced those, had the transmission fluid changed, radiator flush and it totaled out to about 1600 dollars. It was worth it, the tires are not wearing near as bad and it drives much better. I've got 150k on mine and that is the only major repair I've done on it.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Springdale Arkansas
You said squeak. to me a squeak indicates metal on metal or rubber on metal. Therefore either as my first message said or, possibly belt slippage.
A power steering pump is going to make a grinding/humming type of noise, not a squeak.
As far as the fluid swirling, that seems about right.
I am not the expert that some on here are though so some of the other experts feel free to chime in.
kw
A power steering pump is going to make a grinding/humming type of noise, not a squeak.
As far as the fluid swirling, that seems about right.
I am not the expert that some on here are though so some of the other experts feel free to chime in.
kw
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
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Originally Posted by syracuse
it sounds like its comming from the belt, i also noticed that the power strreing fluid is boiling or kind of churning in a circle, is this normal?
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Junior User
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it is getting harder and harder to steer each day i drive. i have never had to add power steering fluid, could the line be slightly plugged causing it to run a little dry? or is it time for a new pump? if that is the case, how much would a new pump cost me? thanks
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Springdale Arkansas
Getting harder to steer tells me it is probably the pump, my squeaking(pitman arm) never affected how hard it was to steer. When it goes all the way out, You'll have to stand up in your seat to turn the wheel 
I drove a 1979 F250 with a busted power steering pump for nearly two years. It was quite the challenge I never changed it out so I cannot answer the question about changing it out.
kw
I drove a 1979 F250 with a busted power steering pump for nearly two years. It was quite the challenge I never changed it out so I cannot answer the question about changing it out. kw
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Joined: Jul 2004
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guys if the truck is idleing and its making a squeek noise, then the fluid in the pump has broken down and it needs to be flushed.
Flush a gallon of merconIII fluid through the system and that will fix most problems, assuming the pump isn't trashed. I use the gallon of supertech fluid for 4 bucks at walmart in the powersteering rack and it works fine.
Flush a gallon of merconIII fluid through the system and that will fix most problems, assuming the pump isn't trashed. I use the gallon of supertech fluid for 4 bucks at walmart in the powersteering rack and it works fine.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Blind River Ontario
If i had to guess i would have to say either balljoints or tierod ends,these are the most common things i see,if you can bounce the truck it's more than likely balljoints,but from side to side probably tierods.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I think it's the belt slipping. When you turn the steering wheel, it requires power from the engine to assist in turning the wheels. Therefore, when you turn the wheel, the power steering pump creates more of a drag on the serpentine belt.
How old is your belt? If it's getting old, I'd replace that and go from there, if not, maybe a tensioner?
How old is your belt? If it's getting old, I'd replace that and go from there, if not, maybe a tensioner?
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Joined: Jul 2004
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You might have air in the system. You can try to jack the truck up - you need to have both front wheels off the ground then check the fluid level and leave the cap off then start the truck and turn the wheel all the way to the left and when you hear it at its max point go back to the right like a 1/2 turn and then back all the way to the left - repeat this process for the right side and keep alternating do each side a few times then check the fluid level again and then drop the truck down and try it out.
the p/s pumps arnt that bad on these if i remeber correctly they have a press on pully so you will need a pulley tool set other than that its just a couple bolts and 2 lines
doing this moves the fluid and gets the air out of the system
let us know what you find out
the p/s pumps arnt that bad on these if i remeber correctly they have a press on pully so you will need a pulley tool set other than that its just a couple bolts and 2 lines
doing this moves the fluid and gets the air out of the system
let us know what you find out
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Junior User
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checking for air in the system seems too confusing to me. i wouldnt want to take it all apart and forget what goes where. ive also heard that it could be the tierod ends squeaking and theymight need to be greased. i also heard that i could be the cv joints. what do you think?