peteryjg2008

00 taurus DOHC, big noise from drivebelt and power steering pump when turning steering wheel. Steering fluid is plenty of, while could not get access to check wear indicator mark. What are the causes of the noise? thanks. Pete

djzx3

The big noise? Is it a squealing noise?

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CatSkinner

If it almost sounds like it's cavitating, every Ford I've ever driven on a regular basis (our service vans are Fords, get a new one every 3-4 years) has done this as they get older. Since the company I work for pays for the maintenance, I decided to take one of the vans in so I could at least get an answer for quieting the PS down. The answer I got was that as long as the pump turns freely and the fluid isn't discolored, there's nothing wrong with it, it's just another noisy Ford.Check Your belt, check coloration and verify that it rotates freely with no slop in the shaft.

If the fluid looks dirty, but doesn't smell burnt, changing it sometimes help quiet them down. Contaminants in the oils can cause foaming in the pump. Low fluid will also make them noisy.

Age of the belt also comes into play. An older serpentine belt might look ok, just a little worn, but make a big noise. Gummed up idlers will also wreak havoc. They're engineered to maintain the proper amount tension on the belt, but if they cannot flex the way they're supposed to, you may get belt slap which can damage bearings on the attached devices.

Or, you can just have an older noisy Ford Power Steering Pump like mine.

peteryjg2008

I've got a new serpentine belt, but no time to chang that last weekend. Now it's very hard to turn the steering wheel. Any help? thanks.

peteryjg2008

Have changed serpentine belt. Still very very hard to turn the steering wheel. Can I check the pressure of steering fluid? Any idea? thanks.

CatSkinner

That's not what I've ever experienced. The power steering pump is nothing more than a hydraulic pump, basic explanation, you turn the wheel one way, hydraulic pressure is ported to one side of a ram which assists in turning the front wheels, turn it the other, and it's ported to the other side of the ram. If you go hard up, a relief lifts and gives you a little bit of a noise. It sounds like it's the pump, but a quick check (not necessarily a go-no go) is to block up the front end so the tires aren't touching the ground. Turn the car on and turn the wheels. The pump may or may not make the noise, but it should be relatively easy to turn. If it's binding, you might want to look into the rack and pinion, etc. for something binding first. Unfortunately, I don't know of anyway of checking pressure without a modification or special tooling.

A power steering pump from Advance Auto runs you about 50 bucks, and I don't know how good it is, just using it for a pricing reference. BUT, on a front wheel drive car, that's probably the easiest part of the power steering system to replace. Wish I could give you more info, but that's about all I know about power steering.

Sterling_Six

What type of Noise?? Squeaking?? High pitch?? or like a Clunk...or Thug/?? think you should replace the Pump...then check the Steering ... In board...and Out board CV's...

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Good Luck and good repairing Sterling_6
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peteryjg2008

The noise is gone, just extremely hard to turn the steering wheel.

peteryjg2008

Thanks a lot, I will block up the front end to check the loop, rack...if they all good, have to change the pump.

peteryjg2008

1 The steering wheel can turn lock to lock after jack up the front end of the car, so I think the steering gear is good.
2 I was shocked after check the steering fluid reservoir.There is nothing inside when the engine is off. After start engine, a little bit fluid (just can cover the reservoir bottom) was coming back and foaming. The fluid looks dirty and has a little bit burnt smell.
3 failed to follow the hoses from the reservoir to check out the leaking. The DOHC engine compartment is very tight.

any idea? thanks.