I just noticed while I had the hood open with the engine running hat the fluid in the power steering reservoir churns and "boils" like a pot of boiling water. When I shut the engine off it stops. Is this normal?

Greg
98 F150/XLT/4X4/SC/4.6 etc.

 

Normal. The fluid is being pumped through the steering lines. Just keep the fluid at the nominal level as marked on the container.
Don't overfill it. Check it with engine off.


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97 F-150, 2WD, Reg Cab,Flareside,Dk Toreador Red, 4.6, 3.55 LS, EGR Bug Deflector, ******* Bed Cover, Bed Liner, XL Full Length Running Boards, Air Aid Kit, Gibson Single Out Cat Back, Superchips, TransGo Shift Kit, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Hellwig 2500# Overload Springs

 

While we are on the subject of power steering fluid... Has anyone had any luck with synthetic or other types of fluids? Specifically, in curing the whinning noise from the pump?

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, SC, ORP, 5.4, Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt nerf bars and fog light mod.

 

Good question kkirt1, in fact I am getting tired of listening to my power steering pump. I've been considering getting a cooling additive from ProBlend (they make one specifically for power steering pumps) that is supposed to drop the operating temp. of the steering system. However, I am reluctant to do this as the system seems loudest when it is cold in the morning.

Any thoughts, anyone?

Jim

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'99 F-250 LD 5.4L SC XLT 2WD in White/Silver (w/ EVERYTHING 'cept leather and engine block heater) -- added: SnugTop Hi-Liner & carpet kit, Donnelly electrochromatic/compass mirror, K&N filter, SuperWhite 9007 bulbs, IAS shocks, 3" Induction Airbox Mod, more to come... (Westin side bars, cat-back exhaust, electric fan, and Superchip are next)