Power steering groans resolved!

[trixareforkidss]

Hey guys,

So ever since I bought my '02 Sport Trac used (121k) the truck was always a little loud from the engine bay when turning...thought it was a normal Ford thing with loud power steering pumps. It had gotten progressively worse since then so yesterday I decided to take the plunge and change the pump. Figured for about 45 bucks it was a worthy investment even if it didnt fix my issue.

Took me about 3 hours and had the old out, and the new in and WOW! what a difference, the steering is super smooth and quiet, I can go lock-lock with one finger turning the wheel. You don't have to remove anything more than the air box top an tube to the intake, the belt off the pulley, and you can leave the bracket attached to the motor.

Just wanted to share my experience and my diagnosis with you guys, so if you have loud power steering, and its tough to turn, chances youve got a pump on its way out. And for under 75 bucks you'll definately get a great return on your investment!

Have a great day!

 

[lobo411]

Did you try changing the fluid before deciding to replace the pump?

 

[J_C]

Or just bleed the system? I didn't think this type of pump became less effective, that either it worked about as good as new or you'd start either getting bearing failure noises/wobble/engine-load or the seal would leak, but it'd keep on working fine so long as enough fluid and no air is in the lines.