Aliens in the Power steering

[EasyRhino]

Newby here w/ problem you pros probably know the answer to.

97 5.0 AWD, bought new, 60K miles, maintained to a gnat's ___. Steering wheel seems, on occassion, to have less than full power steering, like 1/2 power steering, and is jerky. No leaks I can find, the PS reservior hasn't lost fluid, and the belt is not slipping, as far as I can tell. No apparent correlation to temperature or running time, as far as I can tell.

Now, I don't know if this is related, but about a year ago, something underhood starting making a growling/howling noise that is 100% of the time, and varies directly w/ engine speed. Assumed that it was the fan clutch, but now I am totally confused.

Am I in deep doo-doo?

Thanks in advance,

Kev

 

[rockylaurence]

Noisy pump is common

I have the same problem. However, the weak steering in my case is due to larger tires, while in your case it's the AWD. This is because while steering and the suspention gets to a certain position (CV joint angle, etc.) it causes added resistance which requires more effort on your part to steer past it. The noise is the Ford power steering pump (long noted for its mouth). I don't think either is cause for concern.

 

[COMMOCOZY]

EasyRhino-

I would first like to welcome you to the site!


As for your problem i test drive an 97 5.0 AWD and it had the same problem. I didn't buy it, but the dealer insited it need a new PS pump and that was all. I am not sure how much these cost, or how hard they are to put in.

Hope this helps

 

[EasyRhino]

I still don't get it.

It didn't start until about 250 miles ago, so something's changed. And it never does it in the same place in the steering. Sometimes just off center, sometimes during a tight turn. And it appears to be getting worse pretty steadily.

I'm so confused. Should I just take a shot and replace the PS pump?

Anybody know what the pump costs, and where to get a cheap one?

Is it difficult to replace? I don't let anyone else wrench my cars.

Thanks,

Kev

 

[fordkrazy]

I would have someone look at it that knows what they are doing. fords are known to have noisy PS pumps but that doesnt mean its bad. you could have some crud in the lines or the rack and pinion unit could be bad. so i would have it looked at. maybe you should change the fluid before you take it to someone. look up the procedure in a repair manual. good luck