Power Steering prob
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 33
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From: St. Paul, MN
Power Steering prob
This one has me stumped. There is a power steering leak somewhere in the system that I've known about for a few weeks now, but when the steering is used a lot, steam comes out of the hood. The funny thing is, when I open the hood, it looks like it's coming from the engine. It smells like PS fluid...Is there some component of the steering system directly under the engine that could be burning power steering fluid...or is this for sure the engine? It seems to smoke more when the PS fluid level is lower, and when I turn a lot-I.E. parallel parking. Thanks for any help.
'89 302 5spd.
'89 302 5spd.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
check all of your powersteering lines for cracks. if they look worn or cracked replace them . then see how it performs then. if your still getting the smoke and smell then you have something else leaking like maybe a tranny line or valvecovers
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
The Ford C2 power steering pumps are well known for leaking problems. It is most likely the front shaft seal. I just replaced mine, PS fluid was sprayed everywhere in the engine compartment on the drivers side, all over the frame and the wheel well. Check the inside edge of the pulley for wetness and a black oily residue, and look at the bracket it is mounted to for signs of wetness or dripping. The oil filter may be covered with fluid spray as well. Keep an eye on the fluid level. You may want to wipe the whole area dry and watch for the leak or spray pattern.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 268
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From: North Texas
Has anyone ever tried going to one of the old "C1" metal-bodied p/s pumps?
Those had few problems, but I'm on pump number 7 or 8 (I've lost count, between pump replacements and pump rebuilds) on my '78, with no end in sight!
- R
Those had few problems, but I'm on pump number 7 or 8 (I've lost count, between pump replacements and pump rebuilds) on my '78, with no end in sight!
- R
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
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I had the same sorta thing happen on my '82. I blew the seal and had it replaced. All was well but then it started to leak again. It strains the pump when you park and turn the wheel. Try to avoid doing that as much as possible.
I trust my mechanic, so maybe the new leak suggests a manufacturing flaw?
Good luck
G
I trust my mechanic, so maybe the new leak suggests a manufacturing flaw?
Good luck
G
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
1978 was the first year for that pump, but from the initial design it was redesigned 5 times before it was even launched! And the redesigns continued as it became a "customer-developed" product.
- R
- R
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
go get a saginaw pump out of a van of same year as your bronco its the best pump to get and will bolt right in.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 268
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From: North Texas
I've just never seen a Saginaw pump on an 'M' motor - does it work without major mods?
I agree it's a far better pump.
Thanks,
- R
I agree it's a far better pump.
Thanks,
- R
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Senior User
Joined: May 2003
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I did mine last year for the same deal,; the shaft seal was leaking like crazy...about half a quart a week. Bought a rebuilt pump at advance and the HP and LP hoses for about 23 dollars extra. You will also need to buy/rent the pulley remove/install tool as you (obviously) have to reuse the pulley. I took my time, cleaned all parts removed, esp the bracket, and the job took about 4 hours. But llet me tell, it's nice to park on nice, dry pavement and not leave a stain anymore.
Tom T
Tom T
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 164
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From: ontario
if you have to change the pump definately go to the saginaw pump esp if you run bigger tires or offroad much. even with 33's on my bronco it would squeel like a banshee in the least bit of mud or on dry hot pavement if I was turning without much movement. with the sag pump I can actually nudge logs and rocks over on the trail and it never squeels even in thick mud and thats is with the 38's on it now. bottom line its the next best thing to hydrolic ram and it will cost little to nothing. if you have those guys that run around collecting scap metal in your area you can put the word out what you need and they will often trade for some of that junk your wife wants out of the yard. if you go to the wrecker and pull it yourself take some penetrating oil and give the hose connects at the steering box a good soaking cause they tend to turn the pipe with the nut so spray the one ya want then take a walk and scrounge. good luck you wont believe the differance,makes ya wonder why they didnt put them in in the first place
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