Power steering noise
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Virginia Beach
Power steering noise
Trying to help my dad with a problem on his 96 Ford Windstar van, 3.8L engine. When he puts a lot of strain on the power steering, like when sitting still or going slow and cranking it back and forth, engine running, it makes a big fuss with a whole lot of hydraulic power steering type noise/groan/squeal. He has changed the serpentine belt, replaced the tensioner pulley (bearings were shot). Power steering fluid is up to right level. I have had him start the van and turn the steering while I listened under the hood. When under any stress, the power steering definitely is complaining. However, I listened very carefully to the power steering pump, and it doesn't appear the noise is actually originating in the pump itself. Nor does it seem to be coming from the belt. I think his van has a rack and pinion steering arraignment. Could it just be a weak power steering pump somehow causing the noise in the rack hydraulics? Could it be the rack itself? BTW, nothing appears to be leaking from any components. This is one area of vehicle maint I have not have had much experience. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
JD
JD
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: the side of a mountain
i had the same problem on my 86 F-150 it got left alone for so long it would do it whenever u turned the wheel replaced the gear box and it went away, but that had a gear box my guess would be the same that the steering is shot.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 164
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From: Indianapolis
A lot of Fords, especially Windstars have noisy pumps. I replaced mine, because the fluid smelled burned, but in retrospect I think it just needed the fluid changed. The power steering pump needs to have automatic transmission fluid in it (Mercon), not regular power steering fluid like you buy off the shelf. You can have it flushed, but on my wife's car, I took some plastic hose and siphoned out what was in the top of the pump (some use the turkey baster thing). Then fill it up and run it for five minutes, shut off, siphon again and refill, then run for five minutes. Do this 4-5-or-6 times until the fluid looks clean. To verify my facts, go to Automotive Helper at Http://www.automotivehelper.com/cat170 and check the posts on power steering problems.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,782
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From: Foothills of NC
My Aerostar made so much noise you could hear it for blocks. The cap had popped off and water got into the p/s resivoir. After a flush it wasn't any better. Figured the pump was toast. I put in a bottle of LUBRGUARD power steering treatment and instantly I could tell a difference. In a few days ALL the noise was gone. The quitest Ford P/S pump I have ever heard. A link is below.
If you can't find Lubeguard brand, call them. They also bottle it in Belknap brand sold by NAPA. They will gladly give you the Belknap number. Sam on Shadetree Mechanic swears by the stuff for loud pumps.
LINK: http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/p...rotectant.html
P.S. I went back with Vavoline synthetic p/s fluid when I flushed.
If you can't find Lubeguard brand, call them. They also bottle it in Belknap brand sold by NAPA. They will gladly give you the Belknap number. Sam on Shadetree Mechanic swears by the stuff for loud pumps.
LINK: http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/p...rotectant.html
P.S. I went back with Vavoline synthetic p/s fluid when I flushed.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 964
Likes: 1
From: Roseburg, OR
It's amazing that this came up, I was going to address this issue on my aunt's '95 Windstar. I have heard that the Windstar has a thing with noisy pumps, I'll see about changing the fluid and adding some Lubeguard. 
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 913
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From: Pensacola, FL
anybody have a problem with a rattling sound from the belt side of the engine. the best way i can describe the sound is that it sounds like a heat shield on the exhaust that has broken a spot weld and rattles. i checked all the visible stuff and cant see anything loose or shaking. it always happens when the heat is on(automatically cycles the ac compressor), sometimes when it is not on, and only at idle, if you give it some juice it goes away.
any help would be appreciated.
jamie
btw, it is a 96 w/ 3.8
any help would be appreciated.
jamie
btw, it is a 96 w/ 3.8
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,167
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From: miami florida
for power steering pumps you need mercon/dexron 3 or mercon 5 atf tranny fluid
do not put in anything else or you while start to hear whining,etc..
jamie the problem you have might be your idler pulley or tension pulley
do not put in anything else or you while start to hear whining,etc..
jamie the problem you have might be your idler pulley or tension pulley
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
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From: Drummonds, TN USA
Power steering noise on a ford?
*MAKEZZ REAL BIG EYEZZZ*
No.... you're kidding me!
*LOL*
Fill it up, man, and find the leak.
LUCAS makes a product that helps
(SPONSOR SUGGESTION)
-Same as make diesel oil stabilizer, that truckers swear by
...it got me through Texas!
*MAKEZZ REAL BIG EYEZZZ*
No.... you're kidding me!
*LOL*
Fill it up, man, and find the leak.
LUCAS makes a product that helps
(SPONSOR SUGGESTION)
-Same as make diesel oil stabilizer, that truckers swear by
...it got me through Texas!
Last edited by Greywolf; Dec 31, 2005 at 01:22 AM.
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