steering making noise?

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

That honestly sounds like the pump is going bad. It really isn't uncommon on these vehicles. If the steering is good, it is still working, but internally it is going bad.

Here is a link that discusses possible issues:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

Now, here is what I can tell you from experience. Progressively it will get louder and the pump will need replaced. However, if you replace it with a remanufactured pump, it will still make noise. I have never gotten one that didn't.

You could try flushing it to see if that helps. Here is a link that shows in general how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Here are the manufacturer's directions for doing it.

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1. Make sure all other hoses are connected, then disconnect the power steering pressure hose at the steering gear.
2. Place the power steering pressure hose in a container.
3. Fill the power steering oil reservoir with MERCON(r) Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or equivalent.
4. Disconnect the ignition coil wire.
5. While adding approximately 1.9 liters (0.5 gal) of fluid, turn ignition switch to the START position, and crank the engine with the starter motor. As soon as all fluid has been added, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
6. Connect the power steering pressure hose at the power rack and pinion steering gear.
7. Check the fluid level.
8. Crank the engine with the starter motor and add MERCON(r) Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or equivalent until the level remains constant.
9. Lower vehicle and connect the ignition coil wire.
10. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock to expel any air trapped in the system. This will restore normal steering action.

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If that doesn't help and you decide to replace it, here is a link that shows in general how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

If the pulley needs removed, here is a link that shows in general how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/remove-reinstall-power-steering-pulley

Here are the specific directions for your vehicle. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.
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REMOVAL

NOTE: The power steering pump is serviced as an assembly. If any service is required the entire power steering pump assembly must be replaced.

1. Make note of radio presets and disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Drain and remove radiator coolant recovery reservoir.
3. Remove drive belt.

Part 1 Of 2

Picture 1

Part 2 Of 2

Picture 2


4. Remove power steering reservoir pump hose from between power steering pump and power steering pump reservoir. Drain fluid into a container.


Picture 3


5. Remove power steering pump pulley from power steering pump using Steering Pump Pulley Remover T69L-10300-B.
6. Disconnect power steering left turn pressure hose from power steering pump and drain the fluid into a container.
7. Remove three power steering pump retaining bolts and remove power steering pump.

INSTALLATION
1. Follow removal procedure in reverse order and reset radio presets.
2. Fill power steering pump with Motorcraft MERCON Multi-Purpose (ATF) Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or equivalent meeting Ford MERCON specification and check operation.

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Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Well, you got me scared out of buying a remanufactured one, but that's all they have around here. Also, the new power steering pumps don't come with the hose mounted on the pump, and I also can't find any store that sells o-rings for that mounted hose. It looks like my option might be to buy a remanufactured one since they come with the new mounted hose and everything. but I'd really not like it if it still made noise.

Welcome back:

I didn't mean to scare you. Honestly, if the noise I heard is in fact the pump, it may stay that way for a long time before it gets any worse. You may even want to try servicing it to see if that helps before replacing it.

As far as the remanufactured pump, that has been my experience. I can't tell you why they do it, but my experience has never been what I expected.

Regardless, you may get one that doesn't. However, since the steering is working properly, at this time I wouldn't be overly concerned. Try the service first to see if it helps. If you have any questions or need help, I'll be here.

Take care,
Joe

So the noise just got worse in the past week and I decided to replace the pump with a brand new one (not re-manufactured). After startup I turned the wheels left and right and filled up the reservoir to the correct level. The pump is quite loud with a buzzing/whining noise, especially when turning the wheel all the way to the right/left. I attached a video of this buzzing. Is the buzzing just a racket due to air in the lines?

After I took the video I drove the car maybe a mile to get some gasoline, and the buzzing was pretty much gone by the time I made it back to the house. I just hope I can drive it safely and quietly.

Also, since I had to press the pulley back into place, I assume by there being no other noises I installed it correctly? I pressed it in until the installer tool bottomed out. Also on the old pump there was a rust line on the shaft about 1mm long between the pulley and the pump itself, seems like that's where the tool left the pulley on the new pump.

Any feedback will help.

Welcome back:

When you bled the system, did you first do it with the engine off? What I normally do is fill the reservoir, lift the front wheels, and with the engine off, turn the wheel several times all the way both directions. Then, I refill until the level stops going down. At that point I start it.

Regardless, the noise is certainly the pump. Is the any air bubbles in the fluid when you first turn it off and recheck it? Are there any leaks? Does steering feel normal?

Let me know.

Joe

I didn't see any bubbles in the reservoir, but I did bleed the system with the wheels in the air, and moved it lock to lock. It did shut off after a while. Today I drove the car to work (fifteen miles) and there is relatively no noise, just a faint hum when I have to whip it into a parking lot. Is that normal? The stock pump kind of did that but I was guessing that's just a "Ford" thing. No leaks, steering felt okay, is there something else I should do?

Also, I'm worried about the fact that the manual says to replace the power steering filter. Absolutely nobody sells a power steering filter for this car, and the universal MagnaPure ones at the part stores are incredibly small vs. the stock application. I'm not really interested in piecing together lines.

If the noise is gone (and yes you will hear minimal noise when the pump is under a load) it may have just had an air block and finally worked itself out.

Let me know if it starts making noise again.

Joe

What about a power steering filter? I read some things in favor of a part called ATP JX-160 , but that's a transmission filter.

I'm not familiar with that particular filter. Honestly, I would suggest getting it from a dealer. However, they are available at most nationally recognized parts stores. It would be a good idea to replace it. The concept was introduced in 1996 to help prolong the life of the pump and rack and pinion.



Let me know.

Take care,
Joe

Nobody has a power steering filter for this car, even the dealer. The part stores offer a universal filter that is literally half the size of the stock one so it won't fit.

Welcome back:

Check out this filter. Search "Filter part number 20-0058F" It is an after market filter that is a direct fit. Check if the specifications as far as size match what you have. I believe it should work.

Let me know.

Joe

Yeah, I bought this filter a couple of days ago, but it is so much smaller than the stock filter. The hoses simply won't go together because of the lack of space.

Is there a part number on the original filter? Is it a Ford filter (motorcraft)?

Looks like PF-2125. AC Delco maybe, I attached a picture.

Also, I heard the new pump making noise today. But only when the car is in park, and I turn the wheel to the left or right (not all the way) and rev the engine. When the rpm's make their way back down to idle speed, the pump makes that same high pitched buzzing noise until the idle rpm is reached. Does that mean I need to bleed it again? Also still no signs of leakage, fluid level is good.

Okay, the part (AC Delco) is a manufacturer for General Motors vehicles. Someone must have replaced it once before. I just spent an hour trying to find that specific part and found nothing. The only thing I can suggest is trying to fit the one you got.

As far as the noise, I'm starting to question if the filter you have on it is partially plugged and starving the pump for fluid. That may be why you are getting noise on and off.

I think I agree with the filter being clogged. In fact, I think that may have been what sent my original pump over the edge.

Anyway, those ACDelco filters are actually stock on the Taurus cars, and I found that the original part # for this is F8DZ-3F595-AA. When looking that part up, Fordpartsgiant.com has it for about $20 and it's serviced as part of the return line, so buying this also comes with the return line(s). It also says that this part is replaced by Ford genuine part # XC3Z-7B155-G.

Now - part # XC3Z-7B155-G (alternate # FT-183) is now called an automatic transmission filter and is used in 2005 + Fords, and it looks to be about the same size as what I have, and I believe that both of them are 3/8".

Please let me know your thoughts on this.
By the way, all of the other parts you can find, much like the ATP-JX160, are labeled as ATF filters.

If you can get the original part with the new return line, I would say go for it.

Well the part arrived and unfortunately they substituted it with the replacement part #. It should work, but I'm a little hesitant because there were reviews on Amazon regarding the plastic on the filter cracking open and losing power steering.

Also, how do you he the clamps off of this filter? They are not clamps with a screw, nor one where you can use pliers to press and loosen. They just have this little bow tie raised point on them and that's it.

Welcome back:

The one you got should be fine. However, I need a picture of the clamps you are referring to. If I recall, when Ford made these, it came with the entire low pressure hose (return line) because the filters were permanently crimped onto the filter. To replace the filter required the hose be cut and then the use of a band or worm clamps were used to reinstall the new filter.

I'm sorry to be a pain, but if you could upload a picture of the clamps being used now (the original filter) and a picture of the new filter you got, it would be helpful.

Take care,
Joe

Sure. The updated part number is now a plastic filter marketed as a transmission filter. I assume the flow goes towards the power steering cooler?

Also you're probably right about the permanent crimping. But, I was able to get one end off when I changed the pump just to flush it out. You think I should just cut it? I'm a little nervous about losing hose. Maybe I could use diagonal cutters or something or I could get lucky with wrenching out the other side like I did previously.

So I decided to go ahead and attempt replacing it, and I was able to uncrimp the hoses with diagonal pliers and re-crimp them on to the new filter. So far no leaks and looks good. New power steering pump still makes a little noise but nothing crazy. I did bleed the system with the wheels in the air.

Welcome back:

Looking at the pictures, I'm impressed you were able to reuse those clamps. Normally, they are a one time use. LOL Regardless, keep an eye on them for leaks, and let me know if things change. At this point, you should be good to go.

Take care,
Joe

So it's been a couple of weeks, and I've had to top off the power steering twice. Is this normal to top off for a while? I don't see any leaks but I have a hunch that it's the original inlet tube that bolts to the bottom of the new pump. The new pump came with seals but maybe they are trash.

Welcome back:

It may be normal to extent. However, it should stop. If you see no leaks, see if it remains full after a few days. Also, let me know how much you have added and approximately how many miles you have driven.

Take care,
Joe

It's been three weeks and I've maybe topped off a max of 0.5 pints or less, driven 500 miles at least, I drive 250 miles a week give or take.

Welcome back:

Okay, that is a minimal amount. There may have been trapped air still in the system. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it stops. If it doesn't, there has to be a leak at some point.

Let me know if I can help.

Joe

Just to update, no leaks as of yet. Guess it was the trapped air.

Thanks!

Welcome back:

That's great news, and good job. Most likely it was air. Regardless, it sounds like you got things working now.

Take care and Happy Easter. Make sure to come back if you have questions in the future.

Joe