Is my transmission about to go?

[Germ]

So as you guys may know...i have 1999 ford explorer...had a bad fuel pump and was sitting for almost 2 months before getting going again. as of a few days ago i hear a noise coming from the undercarriage....i have no idea what it is...and it doesnt happen all the time...but today the noise was worse than ever when coming home

The transmission fluid seems good and full....There is no slipping in gears...doesnt shudder or studder or hesitate...it drives perfectly normal minus this ridiculous sound which you can watch a video of here while running in park. (sorry its dark out)

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v236/GeRm-RaWk/?action=view&current=MOV02245.mp4

And also some pics that i took under the car in the transmission area (sorry for akward angles and random pics)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/GeRm-RaWk/DSC02254.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/GeRm-RaWk/DSC02250.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/GeRm-RaWk/DSC02249.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v236/GeRm-RaWk/DSC02248.jpg


Now the only thing that has changed is obviously the fuel pump...and also the weather has gotten a bit cold for the past 3 weeks or so (i dont know if that even plays a role in what is going on)...HELP!

 

[ragajungle]

It almost sounds like a power steering pump

 

[Germ]

Well come to think of it...the steering has been a little rough :\....

 

[ragajungle]

my 99 sport sounds like that (just not as loud)

 

[Germ]

my 99 sport sounds like that (just not as loud)

And what is your issue? the Power steering?...I checked all the fluids today in my car...and it seems the PS fluid is a little low...it wasnt THAT loud until i parked it today

Im guessing this would expllain why my steering is a little rough but i was told "its cause the car has been sitting for 2 months"....If the pump fails completely what will happen no power steering?

 

[ragajungle]

yes my ps pump wines - seems to be a common issue with Fords. If it fails you will just have extra strong arms and shoulders. I would say use a piece of hose or tubing to put it in the engine compartment near the pump and give it a listen.

 

[pj8847]

If it had been sitting for a while and you had to move it at all, or turned the wheels for any reason without the truck running, there is a good chance you have air in the system, as turning the wheels on these trucks without the pump running will force fluid OUT of the R&P and cause a mess sometimes under the hood.

Turn your steering from lock to lock slowly several times with the truck running and you should be able to get the air out of the system. If it still seems a bit difficult, jack the front off the ground and repeat. If the pump noise doesn't subside, or if the steering is still rough, check your fluid level and fill if needed. If it is foamy, let it settle and try again a little later. If after this it's still hard to turn or the pump just won shut up, either your rack, your pump, or both may be telling you it's time to change. (although ford pumps tend to be noisy and whine all the time, mine does and my steering is like butter on blacktop/concrete with 31x11's)