2000 Ford Windstar Power Steering

DANIEL92311

MEMBER
2000 FORD WINDSTAR
3.8L
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

My van started making a loud whining noise when turning. My husband replaced the power steering pump, still getting the whining noise. So we replaced the rack and pinion, pump, pulley, return line, cleaned the reservoir, and cleaned the pressure line. Still no luck. We have tried at least 10 different pumps and my car has been sitting for at least a month. Please help!

9 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Power steering pump problems seem to be common with these vehicles. Tell me, after replacing the pump, do you bleed the system? Also, does the pump work even though it makes noise?

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2015 AT 5:59 PM

DANIEL92311

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5 POSTS

We do bleed the system, you can turn the wheel and everything. There's no evidence of air getting in the system. The flow of fluid seems to be correct when you look inside the reservoir

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2015 AT 8:12 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

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109,885 POSTS

It seems everything has been done correctly. As long as the belt is tight and not making the noise, chances are you got a bad pump or many bad pumps. Is this an aftermarket part? Is it rebuilt?

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Wednesday, April 1st, 2015 AT 5:28 AM

DANIEL92311

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5 POSTS

They have all been after market remanufactured pumps.

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Wednesday, April 1st, 2015 AT 6:16 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

IF the belt is tight and not causing the noise, I suggest a different brand or an OEM part. I can't guarantee that will fix it, but I have had many experiences with these vehicles. Your problem isn't uncommon. Usually a new or OEM part takes care of most of the noise.

Sorry, I wish I had a better answer.