Power Steering Pump questions

[Jim Uran]

I had my pump changed on my woman's van a few month's ago. Now I think it might be going out again. This winter we replaces a high pressure hose on it also. But I put my finger in the reservoir to check the level the fluid had a burnt smell to it. The pump is also wining when we turn the wheel back and forth also like it's straining. Could this be caused by a bad rack and pinion too???? The pump was a re-manufactured one but you wouldn't think it would go out that quick would ya??? Any tips would be great.

[Scott K]

If you can tell us year, make and model, it would help alot.

Does the pump whine all the time, or just when turning the wheel?

Is/was the fluid in the resivoir metalic looking?

Is there over size tires, tight/ binding front end parts?

Look in the resevoir is their air bubbles?

It is possible for a bad rack/ steering gear, or a bad pump. Some extra info might get better answers.

[Jim Uran]

2001 Ford Windstar. NO air bubbles, just whines when turned, not a slight wine but a noticeable one, No the fluid doesn't look metallic. it looked good but it smelled "burnt". Regular sized tires for that vehicle and I'm unaware of any tight fitting front end parts. They look and perform pretty well. Hope that helps. The pump is only a few months old.

[Jeremy airjer W]

If its an after market pump than the pump itself is definitely a possibility. We have had good experiences flushing the power steering systems to solve noise issues as well.

Does this happen more in the morning and then gets better as the engine warms up, or does it do it all the time no matter what the temp is out side or what the engine temp is?

Another thing you can try is add some Seafoam motor tune to the P.S. fluid. I would say about an ounce at most. You may be surprised at what this stuff can do.

[Scott K]

Windstars were comon for bad steering racks, leak internal to the boots, then it wipes out the pump! More then likely it needs a rack, flush it, and hope the new pump isnt bad.

[Jim Uran]

Airjer I thought about adding the sea foam and thought to myself.... Would this help hydraulic fluid??? But I will give that a shot. AND yes most definitely MORE noticeable at start up and before the vehicle is moved. I'm not noticing any loss of fluids at all I have been checking it quite frequently now.

[Shack]

Would try Airjers approach first! It’s the cheapest and quickest.

Broke down fluid can cause whining noises in ford power steering system. Fluid being burnt, it should be flushed out and replaced.

4wandering is correct also! I have seen Ford rack and pinions leak air into system causing loud noise. It could be leaking into boot! Check the shaft that comes out of the power steering system on both sides. There will be a rubber ribbed boot on both sides. Check for leaking around this or see if boot is rock hard (could be packed with fluid).

Ford of those model years were known to growl loudly after time and could just be aftermarket pump making noise!

Good luck!

[fishing tech]

There is an updated high pressure hose I beleive. The original one would trap air causing the whinning noise. there also is a vacuum cap you canput on the pump, put vacuum to it, turn the wheel back and forth while running to get any air out of the system. I rebuild the pumps in stead of putting on a reman. I once went through 3 remans before I got a good one.

[fishing tech]

One more thing. Make sure it isn't the idler pulley or belt tensioner making the noise.