I am having trouble resolving an issue relating to the steering in my 2008 Fusion. It has about 110k miles on it. The 2.3L is bolted to a manual transmission.

So basically, the pump is howling as if its out of fluid. It has fluid. So I bled it. No change. I changed the pump thinking something has gone wrong with it. No change. I have bled and bled over and over again countless times using the standard back and forth procedure suggested in another thread.

https://www.fordforum.com/forum/ford...g-bleed-29132/

I am a loss over this... Kinda assuming the worse that there is an issue in the rack and pinion assembly or something; hope I am wrong cause this craps expensive.

The only symptom seems to be the noise which I can also feel in the steering. No binding, it seems to have full power, just excessive noise. I was wondering if anyone had any other suggestions I could consider before taking it to the dealer. I don't know... Maybe its got air somewhere and I just cant get it out.

Thanks!

 

It does sound like it has air in the system. There have been problems with aftermarket pumps and darn it, it costs more , but OEM (Ford) pumps usually work OK the first time installed.

 

I was thinking it could be defective rebuild job as one possibility. I guess this is as good a next step as any.

 

Can anyone confirm if the pumps on the newer Fusion 4 bangers is the same as on my 2008? All I am finding is rebuild motorcraft which may be fine but pricey... I know if a 2011 thats being parted due to being totalled. Might be able to save a few bucks here.

 

A Ford parts dept should be able to give you a good answer.