Power steering whine after pump replacement

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Power steering whine after pump replacement

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Ford Forum >> Ford Trucks, Ford Vans & Ford SUV's >> Ford Escape >> Power steering whine after pump replacement

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Power steering whine after pump replacement - 3/7/2008 4:53:08 PM

bigat

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Joined: 3/7/2008
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Replaced the pump twice because the first replacement lasted 2 weeks and quit. Now, can't seem to get air out. Funny thing is it will quiet down after turning steering wheel for @ 3minutes. But if you shut off and let sit a short while, noise returns and is very loud. any special way of bleeding trapped air. Can't see any bubbles in resevoir. Power assist is fine.

Post #: 1

RE: Power steering whine after pump replacement - 3/7/2008 5:23:37 PM

surfscape

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Joined: 7/22/2007
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You need special tools. A vacuum pump, gauge and reservoir cap with a vacuum fitting

CAUTION: If the air is not purged from the power steering system correctly, premature power steering pump failure can result. The condition can occur on pre-delivery vehicles with evidence of aerated fluid or on vehicles that have had steering component repairs. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

NOTE: A whine heard from the power steering pump can be caused by air in the system. The power steering purge procedure must be carried out prior to any component repair for which power steering noise complaints are accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid. Remove the power steering pump reservoir cap. Check the fluid.

Raise the front wheels off the floor.

Tightly insert the stopper of the vacuum pump into the reservoir.

Start the engine.

Install the vacuum pump and maintain maximum vacuum, 68-85 kPa (20-25 in-Hg) .

CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump can occur. Cycle the steering wheel fully from stop to stop 10 times.

Stop the engine.

Release the vacuum and remove the vacuum pump.

CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir. Fill the reservoir.

Use approved transmission fluid.

Start the engine.

Reinstall the vacuum pump. Apply and maintain maximum vacuum, 68-85 kPa (20-25 Hg) .

Stop the engine, release the vacuum, and remove the vacuum pump.

CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir. Fill the reservoir as needed and install the reservoir cap.

Visually inspect the power steering system for leaks.

Lower the vehicle.

CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir. Fill the reservoir as needed and visually inspect the power steering system for leaks.

Install the reservoir cap.

< Message edited by surfscape -- 3/7/2008 5:28:58 PM >

_____________________________

(in reply to bigat)

Post #: 2

RE: Power steering whine after pump replacement - 3/7/2008 7:29:16 PM

bigat

Posts: 2
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Joined: 3/7/2008
Status: offline

Thanks. Will try it tomorrow.

Well, I found the problem. The p/s fluid resevoir has a screen in the lower portion and it was clogged with black gook causing the pump to starve and cavitate. Not such a good idea as it is hard to see and harder to clean. They should use an inline filter that's replaceable like GM.

< Message edited by bigat -- 3/8/2008 6:57:44 AM >

(in reply to surfscape)

Post #: 3