I have a 1997 Ford Aerostar rwd with a 3.0 L v6. I would like to know how can I remove the power steering pump. Furthermore, the reason I am changing the power steering pump, is because I am changing the rack and pinon mechanism. Additionally, I found the rack filled with hydraulic fluid. If possible pictures would be a nice addition to your respond.
View 3 RepliesProud owner here of a '96 3.0L RWD Aerostar Utility Van with about 138k miles, and leaking power steering fluid. At this point I'm replacing fluid from zero every time I have to drive it which is about once a week. I've located the leak and it seems to be coming from the pump/reservoir around the pressure hose. The hose is loose as in i can move it around a bit, but from what I've read, this is normal and the hose is supposed to be like that. I figure that at this mileage, with so much air going through the pump, all the crazy squealing and whining it does even when full, at this point it probably makes sense to replace the whole pump while I'm in there, as opposed to just doing the reservoir. Anyway, I'm planning to do this in a couple of weeks, and have some questions...
1) The pump - I've read on this forum that the best way to go on brand of the pump is Motorcraft.
2) Hoses - I'd like to replace the hoses coming out of the pump while I have this thing all taken apart, but I'm not exactly sure what parts to get. I know one is the pressure and one is the return, but there are variations of each based on the research I've done. The parts on the Napa site have different descriptions like "with switch port", "without switch port" "56in hose" "26in hose", and so on. Which ones I need, specifically the ones connecting directly to the pump? I havent been able to find anything in my research online, in Haynes, or Chiltons manuals.
3) Washers - Whether or not I replace the hoses, should I replace the washers at the connection point? Chilton's seems to recommend replacing them. Will they come with the new pump?
My local auto parts shop has the pulley remover/installer for me to rent so I've already got that squared away. I'm pretty sure I've covered all of my bases otherwise.
Across Internet is lot of examples of using pump, usually drill pump or vacuum. It seam to me that drill pump would work good for that job. Pump that attach to battery have limited amount of power and vacuum pump is manual. Look like a excellent device for transmission fluid change. Clearly no drain screw at pan. I do not think I'm fan of disconnecting return line and live empty tranny.
For example here : [URL] .....
'97 Ford Aerostar, 155k miles. Airbag model-
The problem: When I turn the wheel, there is some grabbing and tightness, and a strange grinding noise from the top of the steering column, like, right under the steering wheel. What's more, the wheel will actually pivot up and down on the steering shaft. I have tried pulling on it, and it loosen the grabbing, but it won't pull off in my hands or anything....
I suspect a bearing in the upper steering column has failed or has come loose. I guess I need to pull the bag and look around- Are there any tricks to pulling the airbag?
My issue. 95 short Aerostar, Vulcan engine, A4LD trans. Just got it last week. Bought a new trans and when I went to pull the van into the shop, it wouldn't start. Cranks but won't run. First thing I checked is fuel pressure, got zero. Pulled the kick panel and found the inertia switch, but the harness for the switch is getting 1.8 volts with the key in "ON" and the same with it in "START". IIRC it should be zero in RUN after a second or two (if the engine isn't actually running, that is), and 14 in START.
Checked all fuses in the panel by the steering column, they're good, and switched around the 3 relays by the battery. No good and I don't hear the FP relay when I turn the key. For now I'll run wires directly from the battery to the pump, just til I get the trans done, but it needs to be fixed anyway because I plan to make this van a DD. Here are my questions:
-Is there a second fuse panel I didn't find?
-Could this be a computer issue? If it is, would the computer fuse be blown?
The power steering seems to work fine and dandy. But when I turn the wheel all the way to the right, or to the left, the serpentine belt squeals, indicating that the power steering seems to have faulty valve or whatever. What is causing this problem?
View 6 RepliesWhen replacing the power steering pump on my 2006 should I go OEM on the pump or save some money and get a Napa or aftermarket remaned unit with the pulley installed? Also, whar is the fluid capacity of the power steering system?
View 14 RepliesSo, I'm replacing the Steering Box today and read an article that said you should replace the pump at the same time. what do you all think?? I have clear access to it now and they are not all that expensive?? Or are the ford one's bullet proof and leave it alone???
I don't have any leaks and it feels ok I guess..just pushing close to 200K on it.
I have a 2000 Excursion. This weekend, I noticed some intermittent failure of the power steering where it seemed like the pump was not engaging and then would all of the sudden. Deciding to try to head off a failure, I got a reman unit from Oreilly and installed it this morning. It was fine when I tested, had good brakes and went locked to lock quietly without fuss. Let the house and within a mile, I lost steering and brake assist. I stopped and turned around, but what I am noticing is that at idle, I have no power steering, but when the RPM's are up, I do.
View 3 RepliesI am having a heck of a time finding this coolant leak. It drips off the power steering pump. I replaced the upper radiator hose and the heater "y" hose that goes to the bottom of the Degas bottle. I recently replaced the lower radiator hose as well. So the truck runs normal. When the system is under pressure I do not see any leaks. But after the engine is completely cold it starts leaking a small puddle of coolant. Its appears to be coming from the power steering pump. But I am sure its something above or near it. This is on my 2005 Excursion with a 6.0. Can the water pump be going bad and leaking this direction. I would expect a water pump to leak straight down the middle of the engine. What to look for? The thermostat seal stays dry. but it has to be in that area. What is really messing with me is. When it is hot and pressured up It does not seem to leak. Only after it has been sitting for hours and cools off..........What the heck!
View 14 RepliesMy power steering pump camp keeps coming off. Almost like it's got too much pressure. I'm stumped as to why but it makes a mess whenever it comes off.
View 14 RepliesMy power steering pump was making a loud whining sound. No problem, changed the pump. Now after the truck is started I will have no power steering or brake assist, give the truck a little gas and you can hear the power steering pump "start". I have tried every way to get the air out, or is that not the problem. I even lifted the front of the truck off the ground with a forklift and with the truck off turned the wheel about six times stop to stop. Fluid level looks good and has since adding after the change.
View 4 RepliesI just replaced my power steering pump and gear box and I flushed the system until the fluid came out good. I have done the whole lock to lock and pump the brakes but nothing is getting better.
View 3 RepliesLooking for a write-up on replacing the seals on the hose that leaks at the power steering pump? I replace them once but may of over tightened them. I pour in atf and see it dripping on drivers side of power steering pump. Can I just use regular o rings?
View 5 RepliesDriving home from movies tonight, I lost power steering and power brakes and the pump started growling. Looked in the reservoir and it was all foamed up. Within the last 20k mi I have flushed the system and refilled with power steering fluid. No apparent leaks at this time. And happened like someone flipped a switch. Fine one turn, nothing the next. What are the chances this is a fluid issue and not a mechanical one? Start with flushing system and adding Mercon V? Or is it likely pump is damaged?
View 7 RepliesThe van started going "clickity pop clickity pop" around corners the other day. I got under to inspect the CV boots and yep the drivers side outer CV boot is ripped all the way round, and the grease has been flung out of it all over the place.
I got a new axle assembly rather than rebuild mine. I am a little bit scared of this repair because it was what killed my audi 5000 turbo I had.
I am assuming i have to take the wheel, brakes, tie rod, off of the spindle. Then drop the lower arm, axle nut? Then the flange bolts on the inner portion of the shaft that mounts to the differential? I don't have the right chilton manual to look at!
On my audi, I never got the torque of the axle nut right and i kept ruining hub bearings. Those are a royal pain to change, and I don't want to do that on this van!
Whats the easiest procedure
View 3 RepliesI have a '95 Ford Ranger, 208,000 miles, manual transmission. It's always run well but about four weeks ago I began to have a loss of acceleration. This had gotten so bad now that I can't drive it. I can't make it up the smallest hill; and top speed is about 30 mph. I've taken it to the Ford service center here, and they say it's because my power steering pump is going bad and has to be replaced. Sounds odd to me; but what do I know! The repair is about 450.00.
View 5 Replies6L Turbo Diesel .... I still have this returning oil drop on the oil pressure regulator. That fluid does seem to be oil.
Now I found what appears to be coolant dripping off the power steering pump. I have had to add a small amount of coolant every week...not much but definitely noticeable.
I have a new OPR which I will replace. These pics are from looking up at the mail pulley and to the left (power steering)..
Ok, my next job is replacing a very rusty power steering pump, don't want and unplanned failure. (06 f150 5.4 XLT)
View 4 RepliesI have a 2003 Ford Explorer with Power Steering problems. I have read and tried all the solutions I found here, except replacing the pump. Seems like it is the pump. Oil was burnt, I flushed twice. I checked the rack and lubed as identified in another post, same jumpy hard to steer issue. Anyway, now I am trying to remove the Pump. I have removed the reservoir and am trying to remove the pump. I have the top two bolts out, but cannot get to the bottom tow bolts. How do you access them? Do I need to remove the lower radiator hose, and / or the oil filter?
View 10 Replies