Power steering whining noise

JONSOLOW13

MEMBER
2010 FORD FOCUS
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
195,000 MILES

Several weeks ago power steering system pump started whining. Fluid had small bubbles, reservoir slightly low.

I degreased engine compartment, added Barr
's Stop Leak, noises went away.

A few days later the whining started again, on and off, but now it seems fairly constant. Checked fluid level in the reservoir and it seems full, but there were some (not many) small bubbles. No visible leaks from inspecting on top of the engine.

Please advise. Should I just go ahead and change out the power steering pump? Would you go for a used pump from the junkyard or go new?

Thanks as always, in advance, for your help.

Jon

7 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

The Barrs leak was a very bad idea. That will eventually fail the seals in the steering rack. That product has brake fluid in it which swells the seals and the seals will expand and fail,

Yes, it sounds like the pump has failed and needs to be replaced. Before you replace the pump, I would flush the steering system of all the old fluid so no contamination gets into the new pump.

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

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

I attached the procedure for flushing as well as the replacement of the pump.

Roy

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Monday, February 3rd, 2020 AT 6:16 AM

JONSOLOW13

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133 POSTS

I would have thought a company like Barr's would know better. Since I just put the stuff in, a few hundred miles ago, should I be worrying about the seals, even after flushing the system?

Thanks again for your advice and help!

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Monday, February 3rd, 2020 AT 6:52 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

People want a quick easy fix for leaks. This and many others do the same thing. They provide a temporary repair that causes a bigger issue down the road. It is called marketing.

They do know better but still do it.

Yes, it will remain in on the seals after flushing.

Roy

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Monday, February 3rd, 2020 AT 7:09 AM

JONSOLOW13

MEMBER
133 POSTS

So, I will have to plan to eventually replace the rack and pinion? Any idea how much time I will have before worrying about it?

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Monday, February 3rd, 2020 AT 7:13 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Yes, you will.

Hard to tell. You will know it when the wheel gets hard to turn at times especially when it gets cold outside. Once it starts giving you those issues, that is the time.

Roy