Power Steering

[BirchMarauder]

I don't drive my car much, but I know this has to be abnormal. I hear the power steering pump whine in turns. I went to make a hard u-turn under a braking situation and the car felt like it had no power steering what so ever. I don't have underdrive pulleys. When it feels dead like that, does it mean the pump is going out?

[Glockafella]

Man, I have a similar issue...never really brought it up...Under moderate to hard braking, my steering feels like its binding up/giving out. I just figured its a big car thing...

[ImpalaSlayer]

dumb question but, did you check the fluid level?

power steering issues seem to be the latest thing to happen on all of my vehicals lately except the mm.

[Adam12]

its the variable assist power steering. its suppose to be light and easy steering at low speeds and when you go faster the steering gets tighter. if you slow down too fast and turn sometimes the system cant compensate quick enough and you will get the tight/hard feeling. the noise/whine is normal its the pressure valve releasing pressure and makes the hiss.

[BirchMarauder]

oh yeah the fluid level is just a tad bit above the low line but within the range. can the fluid deteriorate over time? I have 89k miles on it now. Its still under warranty but I thought I'd check on here first before I go see the service manager.

[Glockafella]

My fluid is clean in appearence and exactly where it should be as far as levels go.

[Black Dynamite]

can the fluid deteriorate over time? I have 89k miles on it now. Its still under warranty but I thought I'd check on here first before I go see the service manager.

It can deteriorate a bit. I believe the bigger problem is it will get condensate in it over time. I used a big syringe and some rubber hose to pull what fluid I could out of the reservoir at about 55k. Replaced with fresh and it seemed to me to be bit quieter although I may be dreaming. You will always hear the hydraulic pump making some noise though. I'll probably do it again at 70K.

[frdwrnch]

There is a service bulletin for this problem. I will research it and post when found.

[cougar9150]

Fords always have had loud PS pumps. I get mine flushed every year at the mechanics. I'm not sure of the recommended intervals. I just do everything once a year at least but I also put over 20k a year on my cars.