Front end and steering wheel shakes after fuel pump installation

MINIMOMMA · September 4, 2012

My 1999 Explorer would not start Saturday after many attempts. Everyone who looked at it said they felt it was the fuel pump or filter. Being on a fixed income I didn't have the funds to go to a shop for work. A friend's father-in-law said he could do the labor if I got the parts for $250 (he is a retired mechanic). My friend said he had just put on one their Exhibition last week and theirs was doing the same thing as mine. I had the vehicle towed to his home and got the new pump and filter sent to him. They drove my car back to me and when I drove it the front end and the steering wheel shook and vibrated something terrible each time that I turned left or right but not on a straight path. My car has never done this prior to him working on it. I called and was told that my car was leaking what looked like oil when it was in his driveway and I was told to check my power steering fluid. I did and it was completely full. I am suppose to bring it back to him tomorrow so he can check it out. Does anyone know if he could have done something during the installation of the fuel pump that would have caused it to shake and vibrate like this now? I know it wasn't like this prior to the work being done. I am not knowledgeable at all about auto work and just don't want to be told that it wasn't his fault and that he needs more money now to fix this problem. I just used every Dollar that I had available to pay him for the pump an filter. Please send me any advice as soon as possible so that I don't get taken. Thank you.

Rick · September 4, 2012

There is nothing he could have done during the fuel pump install that would have caused front end issues. Now whether or not they took it for a test drive and possibly hit something is another story.

Could just be a coincidence that one problem sprung up after the next, unfortunately that's part of "Murphy's Law". I would let him diagnose the steering issue. You can always come back here to let us know what he says before allowing him to do any more work.

Best of luck!!

71cutty455 · September 4, 2012

I'm thinking while they had the Explorer up in the air on a lift or on jackstands they must have turned the steering wheel for some reason, that lets air into the power steering system and causes a pretty bad shake while turning. It's a pretty common thing that happens when replacing front end components like brakes, tie rods, etc because you turn the wheel to get more access to those parts. I'm not sure why they would have to turn the steering wheel while just replacing a fuel pump but that's beside the point.

It will go away pretty quickly as you drive but I suggest taking it to a big empty parking lot and driving around in circles left and right making sure you turn the steering wheel all the way to each side, that should bleed all the air out and take care of the prob.

waskly · September 4, 2012

MINIMOMMA said:
My 1999 Explorer would not start Saturday after many attempts. Everyone who looked at it said they felt it was the fuel pump or filter. Being on a fixed income I didn't have the funds to go to a shop for work. A friend's father-in-law said he could do the labor if I got the parts for $250 (he is a retired mechanic). My friend said he had just put on one their Exhibition last week and theirs was doing the same thing as mine. I had the vehicle towed to his home and got the new pump and filter sent to him. They drove my car back to me and when I drove it the front end and the steering wheel shook and vibrated something terrible each time that I turned left or right but not on a straight path. My car has never done this prior to him working on it. I called and was told that my car was leaking what looked like oil when it was in his driveway and I was told to check my power steering fluid. I did and it was completely full. I am suppose to bring it back to him tomorrow so he can check it out. Does anyone know if he could have done something during the installation of the fuel pump that would have caused it to shake and vibrate like this now? I know it wasn't like this prior to the work being done. I am not knowledgeable at all about auto work and just don't want to be told that it wasn't his fault and that he needs more money now to fix this problem. I just used every Dollar that I had available to pay him for the pump an filter. Please send me any advice as soon as possible so that I don't get taken. Thank you.

add trans fluid mercon 5 to the power steering, 99% when it was towed it needed to be moved since it did not start, they turned the wheels with engine not running forcing fluid out of the reservoir.

or the tow truck driver. in any case, 99% you are low on power steering fluid.

my98nnj · September 5, 2012

Yup, the issue is your power steering - typical Ford issue.
Check the fluid level, then make several lock to lock turns while your moving very slowly.
That will get the air out of the system and your vibration and shaking will go away.

jremington59 · September 5, 2012

As was said, just air in the power steering. After you drive it a while it will go away.

Just curious. If he charged 250 for labor how much did shops want?

Joe Dirt · September 5, 2012

I'd question his aptitude as an ex-mechanic if he didn't know about air in a PS system.

jremington59 · September 5, 2012

Joe Dirt said:
I'd question his aptitude as an ex-mechanic if he didn't know about air in a PS system.

LOL, bingo. Can't believe that one got by me..

nolimitssjca · February 1, 2014

I know this is an old thread but I just want to say thanks. This thread helped me out after I had to move my truck mid water pump / timing cover job. The wheels developed a terrible shimmy after I moved the truck without the belt on.

After the job was completed I turned the wheels full right and let it sit, then full left. It seems okay now.

my98nnj · February 2, 2014

Shame on Ford, I think this very important information should be in the owners manual.

luvmitruk · May 17, 2014

Your power-steering fluid reservoir should not be full. Check it again and see the mark on the stick for max fluid amount. Too much will blow seals. If need be, use a turkey baster to remove excess fluid.
I had a mechanic top up all my fluids like they used to do on vehicles with carburetors -prior to computerized ones. It nearly blew my transmission seals and steering seals. I eventually had to have my tranny rebuilt.

jimmc · January 9, 2016

That makes sense, the tow driver had to turn wheel while not running to load and I expect unload. Had no problem before. Will try recommended action. Thanks a lot! Jimmc

Robman · January 9, 2016

I remember the first time this happend to me, I did some minor front end work and had the front end jacked up, turned the wheels without it running and when I went for my test drive, at about 75km/h it felt like the passenger side wheel wanted to jump right out of the truck.. pretty scary actually.

Lutha · September 29, 2016

When taking the air out the line do I jack my truck up or leave it on the ground when I turn my wheel from left to right.

Lutha · September 29, 2016

I changed my brakes rotors and tires when I went to drive the car it started shaking real bad does anybody know what's the problem

intelisevil · September 29, 2016

Lutha said:
I changed my brakes rotors and tires when I went to drive the car it started shaking real bad does anybody know what's the problem

You've come to the right place and your question has already been answered if you read through this thread . . .

Most likely you got some air in the power steering system that you need to bleed out by slowly turning your steering wheel from lock to lock a few times with the engine running.

Good Luck,

RangerX · September 29, 2016

Lutha, on the ground. Just do some real slow zigzag turns or figure 8 turn somewhere with enough room? You just have to turn all the way til the wheel can't turn any more, in each direction, a couple times.

Lutha · September 29, 2016

intelisevil said:
You've come to the right place and your question has already been answered if you read through this thread . . .

Most likely you got some air in the power steering system that you need to bleed out by slowly turning your steering wheel from lock to lock a few times with the engine running.

Good Luck,

Thank you

Lutha · September 29, 2016

RangerX said:
Lutha, on the ground. Just do some real slow zigzag turns or figure 8 turn somewhere with enough room? You just have to turn all the way til the wheel can't turn any more, in each direction, a couple times.

Ok thank you imma try this when I get off

Front end and steering wheel shakes after fuel pump installation

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