Shifting Problems & Engine Whine Fixed!!!

[EARL97850]

I like many others here had the usual transmission issues associated with the ST. Along with that I also had a whining coming from the engine compartment. The whine sounded like the power steering whine associated with the Ford trucks of the 80's & 90's, but it didn't change pitch as you turned the steering wheel from side to side.
It did change pitch though as engine speed increased or decreased.

Well it turned out to be two things causing the engine whine. Along with replacing the power steering pump which turned out to be one of the culprits of the whine a idler pulley was also causing it's own noise that was overshadowed by the whine of the power steering pump.

Since I was right close to the 60K transmission service anyway that was performed along with the re-flash of the PCM which fixed the shifting problem.
I asked the service tech about which item performed to the tranny did the fix and he said that after the tranny flush and service was performed the problem was only partially fixed so the re-flash was performed which cured the problem all together.

So now that all the little annoying things are fixed I'm once again in love with my awesome Sport Trac.

Cya

 

[JohnnyO]

Mine is a V6 but I had the same things done. Reflash the tranny and on the V6 there is a TSB to replace the alternator bracket and serpentine belt due to noise. The noise was worse when the temperature was colder.

FYI.

 

[EARL97850]

Yes the noise was louder when first starting the truck. My V8 was a little less noisy after warming up a little but still very noticeable. You should have heard it at highway speeds. It was loud and obnoxious.

What was kind of shocking to me was the transmission. I didn't realize how bad it was till I drove the new re-flash and serviced transmission. It was great to get rid of the obnoxious noise from the engine compartment but WOW the basically new tranny made my truck enjoyable to drive again.

Now all I need is some exhaust upgrade so I can hear that lil engine growl a little.

Cya