Power steering problem
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: East of St.Louis(IL)
Power steering problem
Power steering problem"
23-Aug-02, 03:32 PM (EST)
Recently replaced a power steering pump for a 1998 Ford Windstar w/3.8L engine.
The installation was fairly easy, however, there now seems to be an intermittent
problem with the steering. When making a QUICK turn of the steering wheel, while
near its limits, the steering wheel seems to pulsate or give a slight hesitation while
returning to the nuetral wheel position. The steering fluids were flushed before the
engine was refired. Hand turning the pump pulley, low preasure hose disconnected,
new fluid draining into pump until return line fluid became clear, then reconnection
and engine fired. The amount of fluid used to flush system was approximately 2
quarts. My question here is,"what would cause this steering sensation and what is the
remedy?" I will try to flush the system again. After checking fluid level it seemed rather
high and the fluid was as dark as it was before the pump was replaced. The pump
was replaced due to the groaning, moaning and whinning, like any bad pump does
when it doesn't want to play anymore. I could always tell when my wife was comming
up to the house, I could here her 1/2 mile away. Kind of like an early warning
device!!!!!!! Anyway, any help on this would greatly be appreciated, Thank you.
23-Aug-02, 03:32 PM (EST)
Recently replaced a power steering pump for a 1998 Ford Windstar w/3.8L engine.
The installation was fairly easy, however, there now seems to be an intermittent
problem with the steering. When making a QUICK turn of the steering wheel, while
near its limits, the steering wheel seems to pulsate or give a slight hesitation while
returning to the nuetral wheel position. The steering fluids were flushed before the
engine was refired. Hand turning the pump pulley, low preasure hose disconnected,
new fluid draining into pump until return line fluid became clear, then reconnection
and engine fired. The amount of fluid used to flush system was approximately 2
quarts. My question here is,"what would cause this steering sensation and what is the
remedy?" I will try to flush the system again. After checking fluid level it seemed rather
high and the fluid was as dark as it was before the pump was replaced. The pump
was replaced due to the groaning, moaning and whinning, like any bad pump does
when it doesn't want to play anymore. I could always tell when my wife was comming
up to the house, I could here her 1/2 mile away. Kind of like an early warning
device!!!!!!! Anyway, any help on this would greatly be appreciated, Thank you.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 3
Power steering problem
If this is a variable assist power steering unit, you may have some residual air trapped in the valving for the variable assist. You should not have to bleed the system again. Just put the front end up, start the engine and turn the wheel full lock-to-lock several times to purge the air.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: East of St.Louis(IL)
Power steering problem
Thanks for the response Aero. I bought a "T" fitting the other day that will, when installed, allow me to divert the old fluid on the return line at the turn of a handle. This will help me do a complete fluid purge without starting and stopping the engine several times to refill the pump. I thought I had purged all the old fluid when I swapped out the old pump but apparently there was quite abit I didn't flush out. Hopefully this little design will take remedy this problem. You were right about the trapped air inn the sustem. I jacked up the front and went side to side (stop to stop) several times and that seemed to rid the system of the air I had left in the lines.
