Really loud steering whine

[rock883]

When I was turning into a parking lot today, I noticed a pretty loud sterring whine from the pump. Didn't sound too pleasant. Anyways, I poped the hood and noticed that there was too much fluid in there. The last time I checked and filled it wasn't that high. How much will it hurt to run too much fluid in the pump? I am going to go back out and get some out of the pump. Does anyone know how bad it is on the pump to have too much fluid in it? I'm not going to have to get a new one am I?? Thanks

 

[mrboyle]

It usually doesn't hurt the pump it if is slightly over filled. It sounds like you mya have developed an air bubble somewhere in the system. Ford steering pumps are known for this. With the vehicle running turn the wheel lock to lock a few times and recheck the fluid. If it is still over full or the loud moaning continues try pulling a vacuum on the system. This is a trick shown to me by a TRW rep.
You will need the following parts: a spare filler cap, plastic vacuum nipple, drill and bit, RTV, and a length of vacuum tubing.
Start by drilling a hole through the spare cap the size of the vacuum fitting. Insert the nipple into the hole and secure with RTV. Once the RTV dries attach the vacuum tube to the nipple. Remove the filler cap from your pump and replace it with the new one. Make sure the flud level is at the correct level. With the engine running, use either a hand held vacuum pump or attach the hose to a vacuum fitting on the engine (make sure it isn't a crirical source). Once the vacuum is applied turn the wheel from lock to lock several times. If there is a bubble in the system the vacuum will bring pull it out. Hope this helps.

 

[raven2]

To much fluid may not hurt the pump it self, but it can over pressurize and blow a seal.

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91 Sport
"Drive it like ya stold it"

 

[HellFire92XLT]

So is this whining sound always from an air bubble? I have a whining sound which has been present since I have owned my Explorer. I know that ford power steering units whine but mine seems to be louder than others. It increases in frequency when accelerating if that helps, but seems to go away after I reach a cruising speed, and of course turning also makes it go extra-pretty.
Andy

 

[mrboyle]

According to the TRW rep. the whining is from an air bubble trapped in the system. I have tried the trick I explained above a couple times and have never been able to eliminate the sound, but I have noticed a drop in the noise level on some of the cars. I don't think Ford has ever made a pump that didn't whine a little.

 

[91Explorer]

If it's a little whine, then leave it alone. But if it whines real loud, then it's probably time to change the pump. I just changed mines, only $60 for a rebuilt one at wholesale price, should be almost the same if you can't get wholesale. I had a loud whine plus the front seal was leaking and when I removed the pulley, I found the shaft had 1/4 to 1/2" of freeplay.

 

[Rob]

If it leaks change it.

I would suggest to rebuild the pump yourself and instead of spending $60 you will spend about $6.50 for a kit that includes all seals (including the cap seal). But if you have excessive play on the shaft, might as well replace your pump with a one that is rebuilt. On the other hand... the reason that vacuum check did not remove the whinning noise could be that your system is ingesting air somewhere continuously and supports the reason for a fluid level increase of your pump.
PS. I almost ended up ripping the flywheel. You will need a special tool to remove the pulley.

[Edited by Rob on 06-04-2000 at 02:09 PM]