1996 Ford Explorer Steering Noise

[Speedygonsolaz]

I have a 1996 ford Explorer XLT 4x4 , when I turn it makes a very loud whining noise. It's been suggested to me that it might be my ball joint's, I thought I would get some opinions before I start spending some money. So any thoughts ?

 

[Flash]

Ball joints? How can a ball joint whine?

It's probably the power steering. Check the level of fluid in the reservoir first then bleed the system.

 

[dustinjorge]

Mine whines like a banshee... in fact, I've never had a Ford power steering pump that didn't make a ton of noise. I've been told that once you get a tiny bit of air in the lines, those pumps will whine until their dead. I've also been told that it's not uncommon even with brand new pump installations if the thing isn't properly primed or air gets in the line.

Lucas makes an additive that quieted about 30% of the noise for me, may be worth looking into.

 

[Speedygonsolaz]

Ball joints? How can a ball joint whine?

It's probably the power steering. Check the level of fluid in the reservoir first then bleed the system.

Thats what I was told and I was confused about it.

Mine whines like a banshee... in fact, I've never had a Ford power steering pump that didn't make a ton of noise. I've been told that once you get a tiny bit of air in the lines, those pumps will whine until their dead. I've also been told that it's not uncommon even with brand new pump installations if the thing isn't properly primed or air gets in the line.

Lucas makes an additive that quieted about 30% of the noise for me, may be worth looking into.

Could it be a possibility that my power steering pump is going bad ?

 

[dustinjorge]

Could it be a possibility that my power steering pump is going bad ?

Mine's been whining for years, still works great... just a little annoying. I'd definitely check the fluid level if it just started making the noise.

Is the whining noticeable when you're driving and turning, or just turning the wheels when the car is not moving or moving just a little?

 

[Speedygonsolaz]

Mine's been whining for years, still works great... just a little annoying. I'd definitely check the fluid level if it just started making the noise.

Is the whining noticeable when you're driving and turning, or just turning the wheels when the car is not moving or moving just a little?

I've had it for about 2 years, but I have no idea about anything before that, its a really loud noise coming from where the power steering pump is. It's fine as long as the wheel is straight, but when your turn it just a little bit this incredible loud noise starts. Although I have no problem steering at all.

 

[dustinjorge]

I've had it for about 2 years, but I have no idea about anything before that, its a really loud noise coming from where the power steering pump is. It's fine as long as the wheel is straight, but when your turn it just a little bit this incredible loud noise starts. Although I have no problem steering at all.

Sounds like a typical ford PS pump to me... gotta love em.

Lucas stop leak ps additive will quiet it a bit. I've also heard good things about lubegaurd, but never tried it myself. Make sure and grab a turkey baster and replace fluid rather than overfilling.

In fact, I may change my fluid today as well... after this post the whine's going to bug me. ha

 

[RickOTR]

The whining is from the teflon o-ring or hose leaking on the high pressure side allowing air to enter the system. I replaced the o-ring on mine and the problem went away.