[Gstar5327]

Blew out the high pressure hose on the power steering pump at 235k. In a parking lot but not many vehicles so no collateral damage. Funky fittings look like they are "designed" to blow out. Anyway, check the high pressure hose where it goes into the fitting at the pump. Loose is not good. About $38 from Ford for the replacement and a couple of small bottles of fluid from the local git and go. Nice to be near a dealer when this happens - I wasn't /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I'm thinking a bigger pressure accumulator of somekind may be in order. The reserve pressure really goes away quick. Leaving minimal directional control and brake capability. Practice E brake operation.

Mo

 

[Jeff27]

Can you explain your problem a little more. I pulled into my driveway last night and I'm getting a air leak hissing sound when I turn the steering wheel. It is worse when I am not moving and the sharper I turn it. It will stop after a small eriod of time and will start again as soon as I turn it again. Alright, so I go outside a minute ago to test it and try to figure out the problem. Power steering fluid is fine, no leaks or fluid anywhere, no loose hoses, etc. that I can find. I took it for a test drive just down the street and it is steering fine and once going only makes the air sound if it gets turned fairly sharp? Here's the crazy thing...I was driving very slow in one of my neighborhood end circles and while it's hissing I applied my brakes and the air leak sound stops immediately. So, I pull into my driveway and while sitting stopped I turn the wheel then apply the brakes the sound stops but the steering locks up as well. It doesn't lock it just gets to where you can't physically turn it while the brakes are applied. WHAT the heck is going on here?? What do I need to do?? Can I fix it myself...what do I need to look at? I'm lost!! Thanks!

 

[Gstar5327]

Just a wild guess but I'd bet the pressure relief valve in the pump is partially stuck open. Not allowing enough pressure to build up for the system. The pump provides boost pressure for both the brakes and steering.

Mo

 

[Gstar5327]

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/steering4.htm

 

[Jeff27]

OK, how do I check that and fix that? After some reading on this site I am getting ready to flush the power steering fluid with synthetic ATF and see what happens. Am I wasting my time? Please help.

 

[Gstar5327]

You can try flushing the system but if it's ucky - the pumps probably shot. Careful - the pump will run about 750 psi if everythings ok - more or less if it's not. It's a hydraulic pump so an owy is a reality.

I've got a feeling a new pump's in order but if you were to flush do it with regular PS fluid.

Mo

 

[klhansen]

[ QUOTE ]
I've got a feeling a new pump's in order but if you were to flush do it with regular PS fluid.

[/ QUOTE ]

DON'T use PS fluid.

The correct fluid is Mercon ATF, either regular or synthetic will work. The synthetic may help, but if the pump is damaged, it won't cure it.

You may have air in the system that needs to be worked out. Make sure the reservoir is just a bit overfilled, and turn the wheels lock-to-lock with high engine RPM a number of times. The service manual has a procedure to pull a vacuum on the reservoir to purge air out, but I'd reserve that for serious air issues.

These PS/hydroboost systems make noise if the fluid gets just a little bit low, so I try to keep mine a bit overfilled, but not to the point that it pukes fluid when it warms up.

 

[LvnALoLife]

I also had this problem a while back. You will also notice if you turn the wheel while pressing the brake it will go all the way to the floor rather easy. The shop thought it was the PS pump and rebuilt it. WRONG! The ended up having to replace the hydro-booster (kinda like how a master cylinder/vacum pump for a gasser goes bad). I'm not sure how much the part was, but I know it wasn't cheap. Good thing I have an extended warranty!! LOL /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif

 

[Jeff27]

I have flushed my power steering fluid with 3 quarts of Mobil Synthetic ATF and it is still making the sound? When I flushed the system the pump worked fine...it really sucked the mobil synthetic atf through quickly when the wheels got cut and when the brake got engaged. But, it still sounds like I have on board air when I make a sharp turn or any turn at very slow speeds. It's not the whining sound you get...I actually had that since I bought my X about a year and a half ago but now it's gone. I have gotten rid of the whining and now have a much more annoying air hiss /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif It drives and steers fine and the brakes work great so what gives?? I've got to get rid of this annoying hissing sound from my hydro boost...sounds like my driver's side dash is going to blow out If there is a pressure release valve sticking open how can I fix it? I just had new front Power Slot rotors and high perf. pads put on the front a couple thousand miles ago...could this have gotten air into the system? Should I bleed the brake system?? My brakes work awesome. For now I guess I will keep driving it and see if the air works its way out? Any help/tips how to bleed the air are appreciated!