I think I need to replace my power steering pump? (Video)

[BrianDye]

I know power steering is loud sometimes, but NOT this loud.
Mine is literally way louder than the engine.




What do you think it could be?
I checked the fluid, and it was like silvery and smelled horribly burnt, could it help to flush that out and change it?



(How do I flush it all out? Even if that wont help, I still want to do it, that stuff cant be making any matters better)

 

[IZwack]

Video not available

 

[BrianDye]

It should work in about 5-10 mins, I just upoaded it before I posted it lol so its still processing or whatever

 

[MrQ]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1554678&postcount=5

That should help.

 

[BrianDye]

Basically unhook the lower radiator, drain the fluid, then lift the front end, turn the wheel a couple times, the plug the hoses back in and fill it with fluid? What cap is he talking about?

And do you think that would quiet it down at all?

The steering is still great, no hesitation or anything, just really LOUD!

 

[Joe Dirt]

Ford PS is very loud. I can't hear any sound in your video though Brian, but it could just be my PC or something... Every Mustang, Explorer and Taurus I've had has PS that rivals or is louder than the engine. Wouldn't hurt to change it though, I guess...

 

[patrick112390]

the fluid should NOT be silvery! it should be pink/red because ford uses transmission fluid in the power steering

 

[Fabbed4d88]

There is a cooler just under the rad..That's what you disconnect. When you refill it as a little Marvles Mystery Oil. That really helped with the noise on my big truck.

 

[BrianDye]

I dont know much about engines...im learning more day by day, but mine deff. has something wrong, the fluid looks like liquid chrome, and smells HORRIBLE like intense burnt plastic.

Sorry pics are so blurry:

This is on like the opposite side the opening is...so im pretty sure its leaking?

Its horrible, you can literally get almost a handful of that crud, BIG chunks, and its thick.

Should I consider replacing the pump?
Like I said, I know power steering pumps are kinda noisy, but this one is embarassingly loud, idk what happened to the sound on the video? I played it back on my phone it was fine, but I guess YouTube messed it up.

 

[IZwack]

That definitely needs to be replaced. That fluid is dark/gray probably because the pump has been eating itself and the fine grinded material/metal is in the fluid.

 

[BrianDye]

Ahhhhhh thats not good, guess I wont be driving her 90 miles to cedar point on the 22nd, I was hoping to get this one all good and road ready lol.

Ill have to hope my 92 is ready


How hard are these to replace? And do you think it would be safe to drive for like 20-30 miles? So i can sell my 92, to have the cash to replace this one?

 

[IZwack]

The OHV's pump is actually not too difficult to replace although its a but buried down there - just takes time.

Technically it is safe to drive forever since the power steering pump only assists and even if it wasnt spinning, you can still steer the vehicle - it'll just be very difficult to park for example. But still I'd minimize the miles and get it fixed ASAP because it might seize which would lead to a broken serpentine belt.

 

[BrianDye]

Yeah, when I sell my 92, thats the first thing ill do;
What is the best fluid for it?? Some people say trans fluid, some say power steering fluid?

Why would they make power steering fluid if your sposed to use trans fluid?

 

[Fox Fader]

The sound is jacked on that video. Your fluid is too. I'd just change the pump, get the on with the tank so you don't wrestle with taking the old one off.

 

[BrianDye]

What do you mean tank?

 

[BrianDye]

Like the tank that holds the fluid or what?

I didnt know you could buy them without that lol

 

[alohamonte]

Use transmission fluid for the power steering system.

I'd change that fluid immediately. It might help (but not hurt) in the short term keeping things lubricated while you limp along.

 

[Fox Fader]

Like the tank that holds the fluid or what?

I didnt know you could buy them without that lol

Years ago you could get them without the plastic tank that holds the fluid.

 

[BrianDye]

Ahh i see.

Wheres a good place to get one? AutoZone?
After core and all that theyre about 50$ does that sound right?

Otherwise w/o core theyre 80$
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ca...+Steering+Pump&searchText=power+steering+pump

 

[CDW6212R]

Since you are selling it go get a parts store pump.

The Ford pumps make turning easier, the parts store pumps are not as strong, more steering effort is needed.

Use power steering fluid for power steering. IMO Ford and all manuals calling for ATF are stupid. End the debate there, use power steering fluid for power steering. Transmission fluid is for transmissions.

Change the fluid now and a bunch more after the pump. Those steering boxes are very very reliable, but that kind of debris is about all that can kill them. Get the fluid as clean as possible. Buy some cheap PS fluid now, but finish it off with very high quality PS fluid.

For a keeper vehicle find a PS additive by LubeGard. They have the best transmission additive, and theor other products are also very good. Regards,