I just got back from a 6 hour trip with my 98 XLT 5.4 and it sound like I aquired a whine in my power steering pump. If I pop the hood and try to identify it It doesn't make a peep but if I sit in the drivers seat and move the wheel lightly at idle I get a whining noise similar to a pump but I can't hear it with the hood shut, only in the cabin of the truck??? I do notice the fluid level (which is perfectly filled according to reservoir) moves around like boiling water???? At least visually with the cap on it. Any suggestions?

 

Also this noise seems to go away when the RPM's go over idle!

 

You might want to drain and refill the system with fresh fluid. I've heard many recommend synthetics for quieter pump operation. Ford truck pumps are notoriously noisy to start with.

 

I too am having the same problem with my '99 5.4 Expedition. It does not occur when I am going straight only when turning. Idle, it does the same. It's been occuring for over a year now.

Is this bad for the car? I saw the suggestion of draining the fluid and refilling it with synthetics. Is this known to help stop this problem. It seems to only be annoying.

 

i am also having the same problem with my vehicle. I have a 2000 ford expedition 5.4l also. it only makes the noise when i am turning the steering wheel. again as stated earlier it is only annoying.

nika

 

I know the saying no question is a stupid question, but I have one. How do I drain the system out??? Do I buy a siphon pump or is there a drain in the gear down below???

 

I had changed a power steering pump on a Chebby Lumina APV a while back and the instructions said to remove the low pressure hose (the one with the hose clamp) coming out of the steering rack and put in a pail. Now, have someone start the vehicle and refill the reservoir at the same time,,,,,it empties real fast until the fluid comes out clear. Relapce the hose, fill reservoir and keep turning the wheel back and forth to bleed the system. Worked like a charm.. Not sure if it is the same for a Ford but maybe someone can shed some light.

BigMan69

 

This is how it's done for 1999 models:

1. Remove the ignition coil fuse number 30 in the fuse junction panel to disable the engine from starting.

2. Drain the power steering fluid reservoir with a turkey baster-like device.

3. Don't put the baster back in the kitchen drawer after use. Makes for sour looks around Thanksgiving.

4. Disconnect the power steering return hose from the bottom of the reservoir and plug the fitting to the reservoir.

5. Attach an extension hose between the power steering hose and an empty container.

6. Using the correct fluid for your application, fill the power steering fluid reservoir to the correct level.

7. Here's where the fun begins: Raise the front wheels off the ground.

8. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop while cranking the engine until the fluid exiting the extension hose is clean. Make certain that you do not allow the reservoir to drain completely during this process, or else air will enter the system.

9. Disconnect the extension hose from the return hose and reattach the return hose to the reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the proper level.

10. Reinstall the ignition coil fuse and start the engine. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop. Recheck fluid level.

11. Drop the truck back onto the ground.

With a little luck, you've accomplished this task without needing to purge air from the system. (No excessive noise or aerated fluid) That's another chapter involving the use of a vacuum pump.

 

Me too...I have a 2KEB, 5.4L which whines (or hisses) at idle, slowly turning the wheel back and forth, or in slow rolling turns. I just thought it was my luck to hear this noise too in my. Seems to be a common maldy. Any remedies? Or is it just our plague in the life and times of our 5.4L?

 

Paul:

Isn't air purged by turning wheels from stop to stop? Has always been the case with past vehicle ps systems.

 

That is what I thought too,,,,as I wrote in an earlier post

BigMan69

 

Ford presents instructions in their workshop manual to purge air out of the power steering system by using a hand-operated vacuum pump (mini-vac? - I always forget what they're called) attached to the top of the reservoir.

I assume some circumstance arises when this procedure becomes necessary, possibly if the reservoir goes dry for some reason, or if you replace a component of the power steering system.