every time i turn my wheel in my 97 i get this squeal from the power steering.my fluid level is ok.what the hell is making this noise?thanks

 

My 2000 makes more power steering noise than any of my previous vehicles (including Fords) but it has never gotten worse or affected steering.

I took it to the dealer since it's under warranty and they said it's normal, but I'm sure some would disagree.

Good luck,

Tim

 

i know familyride put in a certain power steering fluid to cut down on the noise. Mobile1 ATF, the noise is from pumping all the fluid, i guess its probabley too close to the cab.

 

I had the same problem, I changed over to amsoil (I think this is what Familyride used also) and it reduced the noise a bit but did not completely get rid of it. I think you have to change it out a few times to completely flush the system.

To answer the question, I think all the Ford trucks power steering make some noise, some worse than others. It is annoying though!

 

A squeal?? like from a belt?? I would replace the belt tensioner and see if that helps. If it is a pump noise (more like a high pitched hum) I would change the fluid over to a synthetic, ford has never had a quiet power steering system.

 

power steering noise IS normal for Ford.....no explanation, its just Ford.

 

Mine makes a God-awful noise when I am sitting still and I turn the wheels. No way to be discreet about it, it's neat, though, it kind of sounds like a pirate ship squeaking.
I think it is normal, there is something we can do for it, but the search button ain't right.

 

agreed. you can try synthetic to shut it up a little, but the noise is normal, so it will not hurt anything. something else ive noticed, the ps pumps on some ford trucks are actually louder than others, no idea why ...

 

Ford p/s pumps have always been noisy, but I remember reading an article in some magazine about an additive that was available that reduced the noise considerably. It was an off-name that I wasn't familiar with, and I never wrote it down. I have regretted that for several years now.

Take care,
-Chris

 

Yes, I used Mobil 1. I've got Amsoil now but I'm ot sure I'll mess with switching it out again....maybe.

It made it much quieter but when it's cold it still makes noise. Once it warms up a little it's quieter.

It only takes about a pint or so. I used a Turkey baster with a peice of hose that fit over the tip tightly. Pull some out then dump, pull some out then dump, pull some out then dump, pull some out then dump. Took about 15 minutes start to finish. I did it 2 times and there's still a little left in the same quart bottle.

 

I'm getting my power steering pump and hose replaced Tuesday. I noticed that it was leaking when I changed the oil at 18,000 miles. My '00 had the same problem at about 20,000 miles. The tech told me that this was a common problem with the F-150.

 

Pro-Blend makes an additive that is suppose to queiten PS systems, I think it also renew old fluid. Cost around $7.

 

Once I had a 94 F150 4x4 with a 302. P/S made some goofy noises, didn't bother me, but my dad thought otherwise. I don't know exactly what he did, but he pulled the pump off and tweaked it a little, end of noise.
Now I have a 97 F150 with the 4.6L and a noisey P/S unit. I have heard (if anyone can confirm it), that a shot of grease will end this problem. I don't know the exact application area.

 

my 99 F150 isn't the only truck with a less then perfect power steering system. At first, i thought it was possibly a variable assist sensor that is similiar to the chevy trucks, but i don't think it is now. I've never actually heard it while turning the wheel outside of the cab though.

Guess i'll try a synthetic fluid change. But what to use? amsoil synthetic? or something specific?

One thing though, my fords steering is tight and perfect, even with bigger then stock tires. Can't say that for my chevy.

 

Nace19,

By now you've probably surmised that F150's commonly have noisy power steering pumps. Nothing to worry about - just part of the total experience. If your friends start making comments, just remind them that "it's built Ford tough - not quiet".

Remo

2002 F-150 reg cab flair side, 4x4, 5.4 3:55LS