I just swapped out an old 4.2 for a new one in my 97 150. It runs great, sounds great except for the noisy power steering unit. What could this be from? Air in the system? Need a new one? Help!! It's detracting from my oh so kick *** Ford!

 

I've always noticed Fords to have noisy power steering pumps.

 

You can add friction modifier to the ps pump. The same kind that goes in the differential, only use maybe half of the bottle. I think it comes in 6 oz.?

 

Try this. You can actually use the engine vacuum, as long as you don't let it suck up any fluid.

 

Steve, could you replace that piece of vacuum hose in the diagram with one of those cheap "brake bleeder" bottles to prevent accidental ingestion?

 

Of course. You could use almost any reservoir as a fluid separator.

 

Did you add power steering fluid or ATF. From what I have seen Fords like ATF for their power steering pumps not power steering fluid.

 

I bought a used 97 about 6 months ago and the pump is noisy, I replaced the fluid with synthetic PS fluid and it helped quiet it down quite a bit. I used a vacuum source to empty reservoir, filled with new oil then started truck and moved wheel. Repeated several times until fluid looked clean and new. Was very easy.

 

Use what your owner's manual specifies, which is most likely Mercon GP. PS fluid causes all the rubber seals to soften & swell, which makes them wear out faster.