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Power steering whining noise

Tiny
BUCK211
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 FORD F-350
  • 6.2L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
The issue I am having is a very distinct whining noise whenever I turn the wheel, also the truck steers fine at speed. However whenever slowing down, or moving slowly without pressing accelerator, the truck is almost impossible to turn, but if you give it a little gas the power steering picks up and turns fine. I have drained and refilled power steering reservoir with Lucas power steering fluid with conditioners. I did notice when draining the old fluid out, that it had distinct smell. Almost smelled like burnt transmission fluid. I appreciate any advice or information I can get. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to your reply. Again thank you and have a blessed day.

Sincerely,
Robert Wilson AKA Bobby
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Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 AT 3:33 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
These are the classic symptoms of a worn power steering pump. Specifically, the fiber vanes have worn down so the fluid can bypass them without being forced out under pressure. The first clue is the pressure comes back when raising engine speed. The pump's volume is increased enough that it pumps more than that which is leaking past the vanes. The second clue is the power assist does work under the right conditions. That proves the steering gear is not leaking internally or binding.

Here's links to some related articles:

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

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

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

Due to the design, Ford often requires the pulley be removed from the power steering pump to remove the pump. Also be aware it can be very frustrating getting the air burped out of the system. There are a number of special tools made just for Ford products to help with this. One is a tall funnel that clips to the reservoir. While running, the pressurized fluid squeezes the air trapped in the system so it can't work its way out. A common complaint is as soon as the engine is stopped, a giant blop of fluid jumps out of the reservoir. That is caused by the air expanding, pushing the fluid out. This special funnel catches that fluid and directs it back into the reservoir. There are also vacuum pumps that cause the trapped air to expand and come out easier.
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Wednesday, March 27th, 2019 AT 3:58 PM
Tiny
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Cardiodoc!
Hello again. I'm pretty sure you are the person that helped me a several times, for quite a few different problems. That is when I was driving a 1990 Dakota 3.9l, that drove me Insane. I'm glad you replied to my question on my, new to me truck, lol. A 2012 F350 SD, which is a bit of an upgrade LOL. Just wanted to say, Thank you sir. As I said before I flushed power st system and refilled HA. The first link you sent showed me that I didn't flush it properly. Going to start with that tom and go from there. I will let you know how it goes.

Bobby
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Thursday, March 28th, 2019 AT 11:36 PM
Tiny
BUCK211
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  • 34 POSTS
Cardiodoc.
I just flushed power steering pump again. As shown in the video, and I defiantly didn't do as good job first time as second time. Fluid looked 100% better after. Bout to test drive shortly. Will let ya know how it turns out.

Bobby
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Saturday, March 30th, 2019 AT 5:11 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
I'll keep my fingers crossed, but power steering fluid doesn't have additives that wear out like they do in engine oil and antifreeze. The initial clue was the return of power assist when engine speed is raised a little. That points to worn vanes in the impeller.
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Saturday, March 30th, 2019 AT 10:13 PM
Tiny
BUCK211
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  • 34 POSTS
Hey cardiodoc, it definitely did help some. The whining noise is almost completely gone an truck does turn a little better. But alas I think your right. Pretty sure I just stuck a band aid on it. Lol. Looks like I'll be calling around to find a new power steering pump. Lol. I'll let ya know.
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Sunday, March 31st, 2019 AT 4:36 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
When you get the pump, ask if they have any special tools to help with bleeding the air out of the system. If that is a common problem on your model, they will have heard complaints in the past from people blaming it on the new pump. The parts people also get a lot of training related to the problems their parts are designed to solve, and as such, they may know some of the best tricks for bleeding the air out.
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Sunday, March 31st, 2019 AT 7:59 PM
Tiny
BUCK211
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
Thank you sir. I again appreciate the help/information. And I will let ya know how it goes when I get the new pump.
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Sunday, March 31st, 2019 AT 10:03 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Thursday, April 4th, 2019 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
BUCK211
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Yes sir Ken, I'm hoping to have the new pump Friday, Saturday. I will definitely let you know if that corrects the problem or not. I do greatly appreciate all the help/info from you guys. This is by far the best place I've found for information to any car/truck problem I've had since signing up. I will post updates when part comes in.
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Thursday, April 4th, 2019 AT 1:01 PM

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