Power steering pump

ZMCGEE62

MEMBER
2004 FORD MUSTANG
3.9L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
168,000 MILES

I replaced the power steering pump because it was making a metal on metal grinding sound when I turned the wheel especially when it is warm outside. My car is the base model. It is still making the sound but not as bad. Could there be something else wrong or did I get a bad power steering pump to replace it?

9 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com Before I can try to answer that question, are you certain the sound is coming from the power steering pump? There are other belt driven items that can make that noise including the belt tension-er and idler pulley.

Let me know.

Thanks,
Joe

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Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 AT 6:00 PM

ZMCGEE62

MEMBER
5 POSTS

A shop told me the pump was going bad and replacing it would fix the sound. The metal on metal sounds happens when I turn the steering wheel when it is warm outside. When it is around seventy degrees or below outside, it does not make the sound at all. The new pump does also make a whining sound when you turn the wheel, but I have been told that is common with these types of cars.

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Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 AT 8:11 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi again,
I have to be honest, if it does the same thing as the old one, I feel it may not be the pump. As far as the whine you hear, that is very common on re-manufactured and aftermarket pumps. They are never as quiet as the OEM pump.

The only thing I can think to tell you is to get a second opinion to confirm it is the pump. Usually, if there is an issue with the new pump, usually is does not mirror the old pump. I have thought about maybe a pressure issue, but that would not be affected by temperature.

One other thought. Is it possible for you to video the noise when it happens and upload it for me to hear? It may help point me in a different direction. Also, open the hood and make sure the serpentine belt is even on all pulleys. I have a feeling it is an idler pulley or tension-er pulley.

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Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 AT 4:30 PM

ZMCGEE62

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I do not think it would be the tension-er pulley. I had that replaced a couple years ago and it still feels tight. I uploaded a video of the sound. You can hear the cracking behind the whining sound when you turn up the volume. The sound happens when it is warmer than 80 degrees outside and when I turn the steering wheel either way. Hope this gives you a better idea and thanks for your input.

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Wednesday, June 27th, 2018 AT 7:07 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I am Danny.

The sound in your video makes it seem like the noise is coming from a suspension component. Have you had any front end components replaced? ( Bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends) or are they original? Sounds like noise is when turning the steering. Ford steering pump noise is common, just maintain fluid level.