[tntenter]

I have a 2002 F350. I have changed the power steering pump 3 diff times now and none of them seem to be curing the problem.
The original went out and i used a Napa reman,Also changed the gear box at this time, didn't last long so i changed it with a new Ford one, It went a year and seemed to be getting weak, wouldn't turn unless reved up etc. Changed it with a new Napa it works fine but has a terrible howl to it. I flushed everything all of the times i have changed the pumps. This one i have done twice thinking maybe the ATF wasn't the way to go so i used ps fluid , but still annoying howl. The other reason for changing the Ford pump was hearing, to quote another thread, " a mashed cat sound" no rime or reason to it comes and goes as it like cold hot 4x4 and 2x4? Is there something in the brake boost system i am not looking for, maybe even in the steering ?​

 

[fordsforever73]

You need to check for seized ball joints or axle u-joints as seized joints will put a lot of strain on the pump when steering.

 

[stevehastings]

I had the same trouble with pumps...replaced it once a year and the new one always howled! I found out that most pumps are made by A1cardone and they are junk!! bought my new one from Ford and put Schaffer trans fluid in it and am on 3 yrs now without so much as a squeek!!

 

[Term3]

You need to check for seized ball joints or axle u-joints as seized joints will put a lot of strain on the pump when steering.

This exact thing happened to me after they repaired the right side ball joints and u-joints. The dealer said there must be air trapped inside the system so they put the power steering system under a vacuum while they turned the steering wheel from lock to lock about a dozen times. I know it sounds strange but I watched them do it and the power steering pump is nice and quite now.

 

[tntenter]

never heard of vaccing the power steering but if it works, cool
Has anyone changed over to the saginaw pump, if so is it worth the modifing? Thanks