I have the same situation. I have a 99 f150 XLT with about 1500 miles on it. I've noticed this sound but I think it's normal. I also notice a lot of fluid flow in the power steering reservoir even when the veh is at idle and no steering inputs are being made...again, I think this is normal.

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F150 SC, Oxford white, flareside, 5.4, 3.55 rearend,
Nascar Penda bedliner, Snugtop hard tonneau.
Future mods, 2/4 lowering, bra, bidyside mouldings

 

Ford calls it "normal" too. Your not a decendent of Henry (Ford that is) are you Marv1

Mine does it too. Not all the time but enough to get to me if I let it.

Just a minor annoyance!

[This message has been edited by kkirt1 (edited 09-02-1999).]

 

I have noticed recently that my f150 is exhibiting some steering noise at low speeds - kind of a quiet "swishing" noise, like fluid going through a valve. Does anyone else have this? Just trying to find out if it is normal before I head for the dealership.

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99 F-150 4x2 S/C, 5.4L, Lariat, Black / Gold, 3.55 l/s, Tonneau, Ford Duraliner, small salt and pepper schnauzer named Burnee...more to come!!

 

My 97 F150 also has the noise, but all the time. I can hear it just passing a car on the hiway or making any turn. Ford told me it is normal, but it is really annoying, but I still love my truck.

 

Seems that it is a normal situation. I have been told that synth. fluid will quiet it down some.

 

Seems that it is a normal situation. I have been told that synth. fluid will quiet it down some.

 

My 99 does it also, I never questioned it because I've never NOT had it turn when I cranked the wheel! I'm dropping mine off at the dealer today to have a couple warranty items taken care of, I'll try and remember to ask about the steering noise!

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Paul... :-)
99 F-150 XLT SC Sport, 4.6L, Auto, Captain Chairs, Class III Towing Package, Sliding Rear Window,
White, 4X2, CD, Soft Factory Tonneau Cover, K&N Filter, Line-X Spray on Bed Liner
More to come

 

Hi. My '99 F150 has a sound, too, but I don't think it's "normal". I've had it looked at FOUR times and had these responses from the dealer: 1.not duplicated; 2.very loud--replace PS pump 3.not duplicated and 4.noise normal. All of those comments were about the SAME noise. A noise, I might add, that was not there when I first got the truck and has gotten louder with time. I can now hear it over the CD player(if it's not cranked). While I do agree that some noises are normal, I don't think the one I have is. I'm still trying to get it fixed and some of the list members have suggested having the pitman arms (s?) checked out. I have many friends who have new cars and none of their vehicles make strange and annoying noises so why should mine?

 

I have heard that synthetic will quiet it down, I haven't tried it yet. I will be getting some after the holidays. I will be using the amsoil synthetic ATF. I will let you all know when I do.

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Want the First and Best Synthetics Available?
Lube-Direct

 

I don't think it's normal because mine doesn't do it and I've never heard it on my friends 99. -ZR

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98' F-150, Off Road, Short Box, Blue, 4.6, K&N, Auto, Captain Chairs, Dual Exhaust
Alpine CD Player, (2) 10" Rockford Fosgate Subwoofers and a big ol' Arctic Cat
sticker on the rear sliding window!!!!! Soon to be chipped!!!

 

I get it too..but I think it's normal. I only hear it at low speeds. Synthetics should help....

 

The sound i hear is like a soft moan when i turn the wheel,not the sound when you turn the wheel all the way. I don't know if this is the same sound others are describing. I checked the power steering resevoir and it's full.

 

Where can we find the synthetics?

Also, mine isn't that loud whine when you go lock to lock but rather a moan like you said. Its odd, it seems like the only time I notice it is when it is warm out.

 

The P/S system uses auto tranny fluid. I have the same noise, and I am going to put in Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. I haven't had the time lately, and it may be awhile. If anybody else does this, please post and let everybody know how it went and if it helped the problem.

Jim

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1998 F-150 XLT SC 5.4L