Vibration through Steering Wheel at Idle - Ford Forums

Merckyman · 11-04-2009, 19:57

Hi all, I just picked up a '97 Thunderbird with the 3.8 V6. The car is great with one issue: When it's idling while in gear, the RPM's drop to about 550 with a deep vibration you can feel through the steering wheel. When I turn the steering wheel from side to side it gets a bit worse and the steering pump makes a whining sound as if it was low on fluid. Well, the resevoir is full, but the fluid is dark charcoal in color. Also, when I put it in neutral, the RPM's go back up to 900 and the idle is smooth. I would really appreciate any ideas on what this is, and suggestions to remedy?

**rtg143** · 11-05-2009, 08:52

Try that with the hood open and see if the engine moves exessively. The motor mount can cause the vibration. On the power steering issue, flush the system with a lot of power steering fluid. Even if you have to replace the rack or pump, the junk fluid will be flushed out.

Welcome to the forums.

speaker_king · 11-05-2009, 16:08

Iv had this problem as well, it was my MAF.When i put it in gear, the MAF wouldnt read the correct air coming through and would cause it to run lean.

chipset · 11-05-2009, 17:35

That vehical probably has V.S.P.S. Are you sure the electric solenoid isn't jamming up
and flooding the rake ?

speaker_king · 11-07-2009, 00:39

vacuum solenoid pressure sensor?

Merckyman · 11-07-2009, 13:22

Thanks to all of you (friendly folks here)! I'll pursue all suggestions.

chipset · 11-08-2009, 14:20

It's Variable Speed Power Steering. Controled by the V.S.S. and the E.C.M. A little
complicated to explain in 10 words or less.

speaker_king · 11-09-2009, 21:02

I knew that, just wasnt sure if thats what VSPS stood for. lol