Power steering noise?

DrCharles

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My power steering is starting to make a whirring or buzzing noise when the steering wheel is turned. The fluid level is correct - that's the first thing I thought to check! The assist seems to work correctly.

Is there a filter screen somewhere that needs inspection and cleaning? Or another common cause of this noise? Thanks.
 

IDIBRONCO

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I thought that was normal on all Ford power steering pumps. Said jokingly, but not really.
 

kuskoal

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Might be time for a fluid change! I drained my fluid and swapped in ATF. Nice n quiet.

Usually the whining comes with pump wear, or cavitation. There is a small screen on the pump inlet in the reservoir, though.
 

renjaminfrankln

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Bump, what fluid you guys running? Ford Type F?

just picked up my fluid extractor from the boat and planning to replace whatever is in the power steering reservoir, no problems but it looks gross
 

Cubey

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I thought that was normal on all Ford power steering pumps. Said jokingly, but not really.

The pump on the 2003 taurus I bought in 2008 has always been very noisy but is still working to this day.

My F250's Ford style pump is a little noisy and is probably getting weak since at idle it seems to lose pressure sometimes.

My RV's saginaw pumps have been pretty quiet, when properly filled.
 

Cubey

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Bump, what fluid you guys running? Ford Type F?

just picked up my fluid extractor from the boat and planning to replace whatever is in the power steering reservoir, no problems but it looks gross

I run Dex/Merc in my RV's Saginaw power steering pump since I keep it on hand for C6 use too. Seems fine.
 

IDIBRONCO

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Bump, what fluid you guys running? Ford Type F?
I run power steering fluid in mine. Years ago, I had a guy tell me that ATF eats the seals in these pumps. After that I switched to power steering fluid. I have no idea whether or not he was right, but I figure why take the chance?
 

IDIBRONCO

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The pump on the 2003 taurus I bought in 2008 has always been very noisy but is still working to this day.

My F250's Ford style pump is a little noisy and is probably getting weak since at idle it seems to lose pressure sometimes.

My RV's saginaw pumps have been pretty quiet, when properly filled.
That's true. The Saginaws are almost always quieter than the Ford style on your F250.
 

TNBrett

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I run power steering fluid in mine. Years ago, I had a guy tell me that ATF eats the seals in these pumps. After that I switched to power steering fluid. I have no idea whether or not he was right, but I figure why take the chance?
I have always run power steering fluid as well. The thing I heard was to absolutely never run ATF in a hydro-boost. Not sure why, but I’ve heard it multiple times.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Cubey

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Hmm... maybe I'll siphon the ATF back out of the new pump and put in power steering fluid instead. Yeah it won't get it all out but it'll be much less in the system. I doubt that was the cause of the leak since the seals weren't "eaten", just hardened and brittle.
 

IDIBRONCO

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I'm not claiming any amount of accuracy on that guy's statement. I know that a lot of people run ATF in their power steering. It may be just fine.
 

IDIBRONCO

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I'm not claiming any amount of accuracy on that guy's statement. I know that a lot of people run ATF in their power steering. It may be just fine.
I also figure that since there's a fluid that's made just for power steering, you won't go wrong by using it.
 

Cubey

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I'm not claiming any amount of accuracy on that guy's statement. I know that a lot of people run ATF in their power steering. It may be just fine.

I can't imagine that fresh ATF would eat up standard looking o-rings, but who knows. I'll keep an eye on it. Course I have a different pump style than most people with IDIs do so maybe Saginaw pumps just hold up better for some reason with ATF due to being all metal.
 

Cubey

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I also figure that since there's a fluid that's made just for power steering, you won't go wrong by using it.

I suspect it might have more to do with color coding of fluids to find leaks, but I might be wrong.

At least in terms of older vehicles:

oil: brown/black
transmission: red
power steering: clear
coolant: clear'ish (but more watery)
 

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