2000 Ford Windstar Power Steering

2000 FORD WINDSTAR
200,000 MILES • 3.8L • AUTOMATIC
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DANIEL92311
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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!!!
Mar 31, 2015 at 3:14 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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?
Mar 31, 2015 at 5:59 PM
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DANIEL92311
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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
Mar 31, 2015 at 8:12 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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?
Apr 1, 2015 at 5:28 AM
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DANIEL92311
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They have all been after market remanufactured pumps.
Apr 1, 2015 at 6:16 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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.
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:12 PM
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DANIEL92311
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Thank you so much, we're ordering a brand new pump next week.
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:41 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Would you do me one favor? Since I'm not there to actually hear it, would you just let a tech with a trained ear hear it so I'm not misdirecting you? It would only take a couple seconds.
Apr 1, 2015 at 9:47 PM
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DANIEL92311
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Definetely
Apr 2, 2015 at 6:31 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Sounds good. Let me know what you find.
Apr 2, 2015 at 7:36 PM
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