New to the club, I'm having issues with my 97f150 truck. My power steering fluid is cavitating and I am getting a stange noise on that side of the truck. Once I have driven the truck about 5 miles, the noise stops. Power steering is working perfectly but I believe my power steering pump is about to go out on me due to the noise being in that area. Would apprectiate any help! Thanks.

 

How many miles are on the truck and when's the last time you completely changed the fluid in it??

 

The truck has 157,000 miles on it . As far as I know, the power steering fluid has never been changed. I added a little bit to it about a week ago when I noticed the noise. Hope this helps.

 

Are you then surprised?? The pump may very well be on it's way out. Certainly wouldn't hurt to flush out all the fluid with some fresh and see what happens.

It's funny how people are soo adamant about oil changes and other items but they let this go forever.

 

Check for a leak. Change the fluid then bleed the system. To Bleed, turn the wheel from lock to lock but do not hold it at the locked position. Do this for 4-5 minutes.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Sarcasm aside, I bought the truck used about 4 years ago. It had been well kept but had no records with it. I carfaxed it and the truck was a one owner. Have done numerous cosmetic upgrades, rotated tires on a regular basis, greased rearend, tuneup, replaced serpentine belt, and I keep a watchful eye on my oil pressure. I have never experienced the power steering fluid agitating on any vehicle I have owned. My husband is disabled and I do all this under his supervision. Never thought to flush the power steering fluid. Will take your advice and hopefully will avoid replacing the pump. Understand it is quite a job, but have saved a post with consise steps for replacing the pump that will help me with it. Thanks for your help.

 

Thanks JMC, will do it tomorrow. Just finished working on our 92 stealth. Replaced the ptu , not a fun job , but with help from 3SI car club, my husband and I were able to do it with no problem. Should be able to start to work on the truck tomorrow. Awful when both vehicles are having issues, but at least one of them is running like a bat out of @#$%. I don't like to drive it, goes to fast! Thanks again.