Power Steering Trouble (noise)

[Elbow]

First, I have to say hello and I'm new to this forum.

My question is; I have a 2001 Explorer Xlt 4x4 V6 SOHC and it has about 50,000 miles on her. I've developed a noise in my power steering, it's more like a humming noise and it's a pretty hard to turn.

This only happens when I turn LEFT at a stand still. I've tried giving it more gas when at a stand still position and turning left and it really doesn't make much difference. It also does it a moving down the road when making a turn from a regular road to residential road (at a roll).

I've done all the things necessary as far as checking things out. I.E.: fluid,leaks,loose or bent parts, jacked up the front and and checked all suspension parts out and all has checked out fine.( I'm a heavy equipment mechanic by the way and these little things sometimes get me)

When I put the front end in the air (jacked up) I started the engine and turn to the left to see if it had anything to with the weight on the front end and it started to hummm instantly!! I turn the engine off and turned it both ways and it was smooth sailing....So it only does it with the running.

I'm thinking Rac-a-pinion or power steering pump. Witch one?????

Anybody run in to this problem.
Thanks in advance for any given advise.
Elbow

 

[IAmTodd]

Power steering pumps are known for this. Mine started developing it and I flushed with synthetic(Mobil1 ATF) and it went away. Also heard this reduces the binding.

 

[chrisis]

all ford explorers and general fords they have been known to have a very noisy power steerings.

you can help it by add some additives like lucas or change to synthetic.

good luck

 

[Elbow]

Thanks guys, I'll give it a try.

 

[IAmTodd]

Just disconnect the lines at the cooler and let it drain. Its located on the front cross member> Just a rubber hose and clamp. Did that, put some syth. in it and ran for a while, did it again for good measure.