Steering noise

[96DiamondVIII]

So I noticed the other day that there is an odd steering-related noise coming from the front end. Whenever I start to turn the wheel, either from centered or from holding it in an off-center position, I can hear a noise from the front end that I would describe as a rasping or hissing sound. Not a scrape or a grind and definitely not a whine. It does this for a second and then the sound goes away if I continue to turn the wheel. It's not very loud; I don't know how long it's been doing this, as I usually drive with the radio on and/or windows closed. It took me sitting in an echo-y parking garage with radio off and windows down to notice the noise initially. And, no, it's not the noise of the tires moving against the pavement (I know what that sounds like); it's definitely coming from a mechanical source.

Ideas on what this might be? Thanks in advance.

[96DiamondVIII]

Still doing it...anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

[Thomas C Potter]

My 2003 does the same, but very very quiet. I have not changed the ps fluid yet, at 40K.

[OneBADLsE]

My GM does it too. It's as normal as the 1st gear whine in the tranny.

[larryo340]

sounds like the p/s pump, they are a little noisy when turning the steering wheel with car stopped. Any noise will sound louder in a closed area next to a wall,etc....

[fastblackmerc]

Make sure the fluid it topped off and it doesn't smell burned. Otherwise it's normal.

[96DiamondVIII]

Thanks guys, will give the fluid the sniff test tomorrow (level looked ok last I checked). Reassuring to hear it's (most likely) normal.

[RF Overlord]

Both of mine do it when stopped or travelling very slowly, like backing out of the driveway. Not a lot, and not always, but it's there.

You might wanna consider changing the P/S fluid if it's been more than 30,000 miles or so. Use regular Mercon (not Mercon V).

[Jon01]

I've noticed the typical Ford p/s pump growling in my MM. Flushed fluid with some RP and didnt make much difference.
My Mustang made the same kind of noise when I got it, I flushed the fluid in it and added part of a bottle of Lucas Power Steering stuff with the fresh fluid, much quieter, hardly makes any noise even when turning the wheels at idle.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Mine does it too w/ 29k miles. It is a slight hiss type sound. Mine does it moreso turning left, like on a sweeping left curve, than turning right. It's barely noticeable though.

That hissing sound is the sound of Ford quality!!! It's there to remind you! LOL

[ckadiddle]

Every Ford product I have owned has had noisy power steering from the late 70s on. I notice it in parking garages mostly.

[racorcey]

Mine does it too w/ 29k miles. It is a slight hiss type sound. Mine does it moreso turning left, like on a sweeping left curve, than turning right. It's barely noticeable though.

That hissing sound is the sound of Ford quality!!! It's there to remind you! LOL

I was just going to post this question too....

Your experience is more like I've had as well. Only seems to happen when the temperatures drop below about 40 degrees, and get a little louder with each 10 degree drop. I will say that it disappears very quickly upon warm-up.

I did have a new '03 CV P72 that had this same problem right from the factory, only much louder in any weather. They replaced the pump and that was that.

[magindat]

I kinda like that Lucas oil idea. I've taken the hose loose and pumped fresh fluid through it twice and still have the classic Ford noise.

[captain]

Mine does it too. But rather noticeable. All posters are correct, cold is worse. etc.
Took it to the dealership and hears what they had to say...
The power steering pump has a small filter in it. Not small enough. very small particulates sneak through and round and round they go. rubbing and wearing on stuff as they travel. Flushing may help...or not. when doing it remove the "rack" line and turn the wheels back and forth manually to really get in there and flush that fluid out and hopefully the particles. (not).
This noise is coming from the impeller in the pump, it will get worse. No danger... just noisy. The pump can be replaced but the damage extends to the "rack and it too should be replaced. $1700 complete.
opted for the cheapo flush, just like flushing money down the toilet.
In fact.. I think it is worse now. Live and learn.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

just like flushing money down the toilet.
In fact.. I think it is worse now. Live and learn.

LOL, you have no idea how far I have taken this concept.

[RCSignals]

So I noticed the other day that there is an odd steering-related noise coming from the front end. Whenever I start to turn the wheel, either from centered or from holding it in an off-center position, I can hear a noise from the front end that I would describe as a rasping or hissing sound. Not a scrape or a grind and definitely not a whine. It does this for a second and then the sound goes away if I continue to turn the wheel. It's not very loud; I don't know how long it's been doing this, as I usually drive with the radio on and/or windows closed. It took me sitting in an echo-y parking garage with radio off and windows down to notice the noise initially. And, no, it's not the noise of the tires moving against the pavement (I know what that sounds like); it's definitely coming from a mechanical source.

Ideas on what this might be? Thanks in advance.

Is this standing still or while moving?