2000 Ford Explorer pwr steering pump install

Tiny
EXPLORER2000
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 129,356 MILES
I just put in a new power steering pump. And trying to go by the book to bleed it. Right now what it does is a high squeal and the steering wheel goes to the left by it self within a few seconds of the truck starting. And it seems like the pump will not turn. It seems like the belt is starting to slip in a way. Any idea.
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 1:36 PM

28 Replies

Tiny
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Was truck doing this before pump replacement? If no what happened to old pump? Was system flushed out?
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
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Truck was steering just fine before this. And then pressure hose went and the reseuvor was leaking bad. And right now I flushed it it but thinking that did not flush or bleed proper. But still steering wheel should not do that
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 1:59 PM
Tiny
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Think there is air in system have you turned wheel lock to lock and hold couple secondes? This will get air out
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 2:06 PM
Tiny
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Should I do this when engine off? Or when engine running? Also someone told me about disconnect the return hose at cooler and block off the pressure side and just put a few quarts of mercon thru and this will help
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
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Try this first yes engine must be on
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Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
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Well I did this. Put almost 5 quarts thru. Put everything back together and still having problem. Steering moves to the right all by itself, and very hard to turn. Only time when not hard to turn is key on engine off.. Just to make very sure on this part. The pressure hose that is on rack should be in top hole? And the small hose should be on bottom.

2000 ford explorer xls 4.0l x motor ohv. Right now I cannot find anything to make sure of this. Well the only thing I have found is for a 5.0 explorer
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
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Was truck driven after hose blew? When you removed hi-pres hose did teflon O ring come out on connection? Think something happened to spool valve inside rack.
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 AT 1:12 PM
Tiny
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Sorry should of told you that I did replace pump. I did check rack and pinion where the hose's go and nothing was in there, no o-rings and stuff. My wife did notice that each time we were turning the steering wheel on passenger side the bellow like puffed. Like it was letting air out. A puff of air weather it was turned to left or right
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 AT 3:21 PM
Tiny
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Thats not air it is fluid under pressure blowing past seal. Deffinet damage to rack did steering start acting up before hose and or fluid came out of resivor? If yes then rack faulty
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 AT 4:09 PM
Tiny
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I was afraid that you were going to say that.

Thank you very much.

Friday i'am donating.
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
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If you plan to DIY will help with instruction. Check out price on rebuilt racks.
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Thursday, August 20th, 2009 AT 8:17 AM
Tiny
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Going to call around and see about a garage doing it first. With alignment. And go from there.
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Thursday, August 20th, 2009 AT 10:37 AM
Tiny
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Well I did put new rack in. Put the mercon in. And started it. Pump was whining very loud. Then soon as I touched the steering wheel. That thing shook back and forth like it was trying to take off for a flight. And so I figured that the pump was going again so I replaced that and put it in and the same thing happens but not as bad. So far what I did was replace rack and pinion, pressure hose, return line, and the 20 inch bulk line, power steering pump. Is there a pressure switch or sensor that may be doing this. I kinda doubt it but worth asking
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
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Weird got one more thing oil cooler maybe restricting fluid flow. So instead of turning right it is back and forth?
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 AT 11:51 AM
Tiny
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You know I never thought about the cooler. I should be able to stick some sort of cleaning brush thru it and have it free and clear
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
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Got to thinking about hose blowing, then pump going maybe lack of fluid then dust boots filling with fluid all points to high pressure. That made me think restriction. Hope this does it.
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
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I hope this works also. If not taking to scrap yard. I will let you know again. And thank you very much again
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
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Ok. Here is the latest ; took all lines off and put air thru them. The cooler was pretty bad shape after going on and off a few times, so got and installed a new one. And did blow air thru just to make sure. Still the same thing.

So went and replaced rack AND pump yet again. Still the same thing. When truck is started pump whines a bit. But normal from what I understand. And soon as you touch, tap, or what ever to the steering wheel, that thing comes alive. Going back and forth vilently. When engine off, key on, this thing turns nice, well when turning like in a tight radius it starts to get pretty tight.

What could I do next before blowing it up
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Friday, August 28th, 2009 AT 3:56 PM
Tiny
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This is weird so when you start up wheel is not moving? touch it and back and forth it goes? until engine off? do tires move? can you hold wheel and keep it from moving? does your pump have resivor off to side or on back of pump? which belt routing do you have?


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Graphic_75.jpg


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/198357_Grafic_3_32.jpg

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Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
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Very weird. Right now tires are off but knuckle and rotor move right along with steering wheel.

It is the second picture but the power steer pump and a/c compis switched around

i can hold steering wheel but actually hard to keep from moving.

Pump res. On back of pump. Pump part # 20-7271 from advanceauto parts. The local ford dealer told me to call ford and see what they have to say about it
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Sunday, August 30th, 2009 AT 4:58 PM

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