Power Steering

[outrun84]

Question on power steering. My 97 X is starting to make a noise when the steering wheel is almost full left and right. It is not the noise when you get at the very end and the pump strains it is before that, it is a vibration and it sounds kinda like tire rub but it isnt. I have no idea what to do. Any suggestions? it does it while i am driving and when i am standing still. Its got me stumpped

 

[ERIK2173]

I'm assuming you've checked the power steering fluid level.
Have you turned your steering wheel without the engine running recently?
This happened to me and it was some air in the system.
The solution was to take the cap off of the reservoir and turn the steering wheel 5 or 6 times fully back and forth.

Unless your power steering pump is going.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Mine had a similiar "groaning" noise at low speeds. I changed the fluid and it disappeared. Rather than taking a hose off and flushing it, I simply sucked the fluid out with a pump I have, and re-filled. I had to do it 2-3 times.

If I remember correctly, Ford had a TSB for some models. It seems that a hose vibrated and caused noise. I'm not sure if the fix was to replace the hose, or put a securing clamp on it. Maybe someone will post that knows.......

 

[outrun84]

Makes Sense

That does make some sense now. I had to turn the wheel with the car off a few days ago. I ran out of gas and i turned into the gasstation with the car off. I guess it might be air in the system. Im going to try that and see if it works. I will also pump out the old fluid and put in some new fluid. What is the best flud do you guys think?

 

[Garth]

Check your manual to see which fluid is required.
I am having the same problem.
Is there a easy way to bleed the system?

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Mercon/Dexron III ATF is specified for post 95's. That's what I used. It's been several months and several thousand miles since I changed the fluid, and no more problems.

Some people loosen the low pressure hose, and pump out the old fluid while pouring in the new. This would probably add air to the system too. I just suctioned mine out of the resorvoir. A turkey baster is good for this.

 

[Garth]

Cool!
Turkey baster it is!
Thanks!!