Power Steering Pump Going Bad?
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Power Steering Pump Going Bad?
My power steering seems to be groaning more at low speed on my '94 4.0liter with 155,000 miles. I'm sure it's never been replaced.
I have a 10-hour trip to make this weekend; should I replace it first? How difficult is it? Do I need the special tools the Haynes manual recommends? If it fails, is it just harder to turn or do other Bad Things happen? Any and all info appreciated.
I have a 10-hour trip to make this weekend; should I replace it first? How difficult is it? Do I need the special tools the Haynes manual recommends? If it fails, is it just harder to turn or do other Bad Things happen? Any and all info appreciated.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: cincinnati hamilton
Power Steering Pump Going Bad?
just my 2 cents worth, but i would not recommend replacement if it is just groaning. mine has been doing that for two years. i would check fluid level and keep on driving. i really doubt it will go from groaning to complete failure on your trip.
my guess is, it will stiffen up as the pump fails, steering will be difficult, like the old nonpower units in the 1960's. probably a little stiffer.. but that may not occur for some time. check the serpintine belt, check powersteering fluid and take some along.
good luck, rick
my guess is, it will stiffen up as the pump fails, steering will be difficult, like the old nonpower units in the 1960's. probably a little stiffer.. but that may not occur for some time. check the serpintine belt, check powersteering fluid and take some along.
good luck, rick
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Joined: Sep 2002
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Power Steering Pump Going Bad?
Well, sounds like your fluid has finally went, Drain and flush with new fluid, sometimes the chumps top it off with tranny fluid, instant death for a PS pump.I did this to mine and the pump shut up.
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: PNW
Power Steering Pump Going Bad?
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 24-Sep-02 AT 03:14 PM (EST)]>Well, sounds like your fluid has finally went, Drain and
>flush with new fluid, sometimes the chumps top it off with
>tranny fluid, instant death for a PS pump.I did this to mine
>and the pump shut up.
Well, I suppose I'm a chump since I use ATF in my power steering pump, but I won't take it personally. Ford says it's OK and so does my experience. The owners manual says ATF is acceptable for use in the power steering pump provided it meets the spec listed. For my Aerostar and Ranger, the spec is Type F ATF. I flushed the system with it and have used it for years with no problem. Just make sure the bottle says it meets the same spec as in the owners manual. My Escort used Dexron/Mercon type ATF in the power steering pump. Again, no problems there. My boss put ATF in his mid'80's heavily used F350 work truck without problems.
If you've had a bad experience using ATF, I'd be interested in hearing about it.
>flush with new fluid, sometimes the chumps top it off with
>tranny fluid, instant death for a PS pump.I did this to mine
>and the pump shut up.
Well, I suppose I'm a chump since I use ATF in my power steering pump, but I won't take it personally. Ford says it's OK and so does my experience. The owners manual says ATF is acceptable for use in the power steering pump provided it meets the spec listed. For my Aerostar and Ranger, the spec is Type F ATF. I flushed the system with it and have used it for years with no problem. Just make sure the bottle says it meets the same spec as in the owners manual. My Escort used Dexron/Mercon type ATF in the power steering pump. Again, no problems there. My boss put ATF in his mid'80's heavily used F350 work truck without problems.
If you've had a bad experience using ATF, I'd be interested in hearing about it.
