DeathRunnerII

got a puzzle here with the power steering in this van. started out as a leak in the system turns out its a high pressure hose, "OK" no big deal. so i replace the hose and ever since the power steering pump whines all the time and still has a lot of air in the system. my girlfriend complains about a burning smell (like ps fluid) and still seems to be adding fluid, thinks it may still be leaking also a lack of power assist. the pump ran fine before the new hose it just leaked a quart ever two or three days. i drove it and id does smell like ps fluid and the pump is noisy with lack of assist especially at a standstill. did notice some fluid, thought it might have been just some that spilt when doing the hose. ive been working on vehicles for years and this is a new problem to me. anyone have any ideas?

Bert

The fluid getting low periodically may have worn the pump enough for that to happen. I've replaced several pumps and will only buy a used pump from Ford due to the noise from rebuilt pumps from parts stores. The smell may be from fluid on the area when the hose was replaced.

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Bert

DeathRunnerII

right. well she told me today the pump was empty again but the whining has gotten better or gone and tat she has better assist until she added more ps fluid odd if you ask me. she isnt no dummy to some car stuff so i know what she is saying but i wonder why its doing that? as for the leak im positive the HP line was bad. she said she cant see anything on the ground though. she is going to park on the other side of the driveway tonight and see in the morning if there is a spot im almost thinking its the return line? the cooler is dry and the lines from it are dry also, only other thing it could be is the rack. there was so much fluid underneath the van that i couldnt tell if the rack was or wasnt leaking. as of now im ruling out the pump till i find this leak.

Bert

Keep us posted.

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Bert

DeathRunnerII

that i will. havent run into such a strange problem with a power steering system. would anyone know whats used for fluid? her book says power steering fluid, but im pretty sure that ford used Mercon ATF in all their systems.

Bert

Mercon ATF is fine.

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Bert

DeathRunnerII

thats what i thought. but her book clams it uses P.S. fluid. i told her im pretty sure its suppose to Mercon ATF. but im not the one to argue with her. I know that P.S. fluid is thinner then ATF and lacks the cleaners that ATF has which means the possibility for leaks and seal damage is higher.

Bert

There's a bulletin from Ford on the use of Mercon. TSB
07-1-7 but it shows only 1996 and up. The 1995 shows Type F trans fluid or power steering fluid. I didn't pay attention to the year on your post. I don't know what was changed after that but they also quit having updates on older cars too.

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Bert

DeathRunnerII

i dont know if they changed anything other then fluid type. all the ATF out today exceeds type F standards. the thing is whether or not it uses ATF or P.S. fluid. both are hydro. fluids just different compounds and cleaners. but i know it can make a difference for some vehicle like my toyota uses ATF only, if P.S. fluid is used it will cause problems with the system. i know this ford is starting to get on my nerves lol

Bert

Every manufaturer recommends what they think is best. If her owners manual states power steering fluid, that's what I'd use. It's not a real big deal on Fords if something different is used. If something else would happen, she might blame you for putting the wrong stuff in even if it didn't cause it.

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Bert