Power steering problems..
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New User
Joined: Jun 2010
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Power steering problems..
Hi, having another problem with my 97 aerostar, for the past few years there has always been some leaks around the fittings on it, but now it actually spraying fluid out of the pinhole on the lid and then making alot of noise when you try to turn the wheel, I'm guessing it's a clog? The pump is the originals with over 150K miles on it, I'm planning on replacing the pump and the pressure and return line, does anyone think that will do the trick?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 7
The pump is probably shot. For the record, if you can't find a new Motorcraft one, get a Motorcraft reman. I've used several other remans, they are noisy and sound as bad or worse than the old one that was being replaced. My dad's Ranger had its pump replaced, it lasted about 3 months. The other brands just don't have good enough quality control, only the genuine Motorcraft remans are restored to factory specs.
That should fix your problem, but just a helpful hint. Cut a soda can in half, and use the bottom as a cap to slide over the top of the PS pump. This removes any potential for water to get into the PS fluid.
That should fix your problem, but just a helpful hint. Cut a soda can in half, and use the bottom as a cap to slide over the top of the PS pump. This removes any potential for water to get into the PS fluid.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
definitely stay away from the Cardone or any of the other cheap Mexico or China rebuilt PS pumps or rack/pinions. too much work and effort to replace one on the Aero especially the tight cramped AWD front.
the price of the Motorcraft will shock you but will save having to do the job again in 6 months or less.
use only quality brand name full synthetic ATF in these, Mobil 1, Amsoil or Redline. extreme hard service with high heat and loads.
i flush and change every 20k miles, still on my original pump in this one 16 years.
put a Magnafine filter in the return line
http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/me...=inline-filter
learned the hard expensive way with Rangers, too many cheapy pumps and cheap ATF in them.
the price of the Motorcraft will shock you but will save having to do the job again in 6 months or less.
use only quality brand name full synthetic ATF in these, Mobil 1, Amsoil or Redline. extreme hard service with high heat and loads.
i flush and change every 20k miles, still on my original pump in this one 16 years.
put a Magnafine filter in the return line
http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/me...=inline-filter
learned the hard expensive way with Rangers, too many cheapy pumps and cheap ATF in them.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
I also recommend the Motorcraft pump, but before you walk into your friendly Ford dealer and plunk down the cash, do a price check for a Motorcraft steering pump on rock auto.
You may not buy one from there, but it will at least give you a feeling if the Ford dealership is priced a little high.
You may not buy one from there, but it will at least give you a feeling if the Ford dealership is priced a little high.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
2nd what kruse said.
Rockauto has the best price around that you will find and delivers from multiple warehouses across the US, dropshipped direct.
lots of local parts houses carry Motorcraft, call around
Motorcraft has both rebuilt to their specs and new. once the pump bore hard surfacing is gone, there is no such thing as a like new rebuild.
I'd go with new.
if it's backing up into the pump and spraying out the cap vent, i'd say it was the valves and seals in the PS gear box or the valves in the rack/pinion not sealing, leaking back or blocking flow.
try a couple flushes with a PS system cleaner conditioner first.
probably a stuck valve or chunk of seal plugging one of the units
Rockauto has the best price around that you will find and delivers from multiple warehouses across the US, dropshipped direct.
lots of local parts houses carry Motorcraft, call around
Motorcraft has both rebuilt to their specs and new. once the pump bore hard surfacing is gone, there is no such thing as a like new rebuild.
I'd go with new.
if it's backing up into the pump and spraying out the cap vent, i'd say it was the valves and seals in the PS gear box or the valves in the rack/pinion not sealing, leaking back or blocking flow.
try a couple flushes with a PS system cleaner conditioner first.
probably a stuck valve or chunk of seal plugging one of the units
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 2
From: Portland, Oregon
i have learned, from both this site and from personal/other peoples experience, that motor craft is the way to go for our aero's. infact, dealer stamped parts in general. unless proven documentation can be provided showing an alternatively made product does infact meet and or exceeds oem part specs, i'd rather just shell out the dough.
96, what is this power steering system flush you speak of?
96, what is this power steering system flush you speak of?
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
i got tired of messing with it, so i disconnected mine completely more power and its not that bad with no ps
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Lead Driver
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From: SoCal
I forgot, you must have an earlier 3 liter engine.
Watch out for wear on the steering shaft; the telescoping shafts consist of one rod that slides into a tube, and when you have to turn the steering wheel hard, it can flare out the tube over time. The rag joint (u-joint?) can wear out early as well. With power assist, there is almost no stress on these parts.
Watch out for wear on the steering shaft; the telescoping shafts consist of one rod that slides into a tube, and when you have to turn the steering wheel hard, it can flare out the tube over time. The rag joint (u-joint?) can wear out early as well. With power assist, there is almost no stress on these parts.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 35
From: Kansas
Just thought I'd do a bump on this thread.
A guy I know came to me with an old beater car that needed a new power steering pump. He had already purchased the pump, (a Cardone, of course. It was the lowest priced AND rebuilt in Mexico) and needed it installed. I warned him that there would be a chance that it whined, but it didn't matter.
In the end, I put on not only the pump, but also a reman rack, all new hoses and two tie rod ends, so all parts are new or rebuilt.
Guess what, it whines. 24 hours after the install with all the foam out of the system didn't improve anything. They have such a good write-up on their web site that you would think they are the quietest in the world.
Whatever, he was warned.
A guy I know came to me with an old beater car that needed a new power steering pump. He had already purchased the pump, (a Cardone, of course. It was the lowest priced AND rebuilt in Mexico) and needed it installed. I warned him that there would be a chance that it whined, but it didn't matter.
In the end, I put on not only the pump, but also a reman rack, all new hoses and two tie rod ends, so all parts are new or rebuilt.
Guess what, it whines. 24 hours after the install with all the foam out of the system didn't improve anything. They have such a good write-up on their web site that you would think they are the quietest in the world.
Whatever, he was warned.
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