Power Steering woes
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Power Steering woes
I am the "new" owner of a 97 F-150. The truck has been with the "family" since new. The truck had been running OK for its age and mileage (128K+). The other day I drove it to work and after putting some petrol in it, I turned to get out of the gas station and when I felt a small jolt and the steering became very hard. At this point, I decided to turn off the truck. When I turned it back on, it made a short noise and then the noise went away but the steering was as hard as heck. At this point I decided to drive the truck home and check it under the hood. Once at home, I popped the hood but I did not see any flud leaking, the power steering fluid still had some (about half way full) so I am assuming that the pump went south. The question is, has this happened to any of you and if it has, what was the issue? If it is the pump, how easy is it to change it (DIY)? Is there a procedure to bleed the air out once it is done? Is it better for a qualified mechanic to do it?
Thanks in advanced,
LG
Thanks in advanced,
LG
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 14
From: Vale, NC
Mine always makes a lot of noise, but I think that is consistent for this truck. You can hear it inside pretty clearly. However, since you felt a "jolt" and then it got hard, it sounds like you blew a seal.
I've never changed one in this model truck, but beyond being very cramped for space, it wouldn't seem to me to be too hard. You can likely see a good bit of it from the wheel well.
I've never changed one in this model truck, but beyond being very cramped for space, it wouldn't seem to me to be too hard. You can likely see a good bit of it from the wheel well.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,466
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From: N. Fort Myers,FL
Its not too bad to replace the pump. It bolts to the block with a few bolts and then you got 2 hoses to unthread from the pump.
Other than normal hand tools you will need a couple other tools. You will need a large 1/2 ratchet or breaker bar and a power steering pulley puller. You can get the pulley puller from Autozone.
Also with that many miles it would be a good idea to buy a new serpentine belt, I reccommend a Goodyear Gatorback.
Other than normal hand tools you will need a couple other tools. You will need a large 1/2 ratchet or breaker bar and a power steering pulley puller. You can get the pulley puller from Autozone.
Also with that many miles it would be a good idea to buy a new serpentine belt, I reccommend a Goodyear Gatorback.
