Morning,
my 1999 f150 4.6l has started to groan a little bit now that we are into the colder weather here. It was -17 celcius this morning and when i started the truck it sounded like the power steering was groaning like an old ford might. 64k kms on it now, and its just now 2 yrs old.

should i look at changing the power steering fluid this weekend? and if so, with what type of fluid? oem?

The noise goes away after about 1 minute after the engine was started. Just dont want to be doing any damage, as it will be getting a lot colder than -17 in the next few weeks.

Thanks In advance,
Dean

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Bambino Worldwide
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The front end parts on the F150 do not have zerk fittings that can be greased. The pitman arm is notorious for wearing out due to not having regular greasing. Even if it is not worn out, without grease, the pitman arm can apply resistance to your power steering pump, which causes the anything from a burble or swooshing sound to a squealing sound.

See the topic "greasing the pitman arm" under the suspension topics
https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/000929.html for info on how to grease the pitman arm.

If this doesn't help, look at the belt tensioner to see if it is keeping the belt tight.

After that, I would suspect your power steering pump is going out. I don't think you really should have to replace your power steering fluid unless you have a leak. A leak may cause air to get into the lines which will cause extra pressure on one side of the piston inside the ps pump and cause binding, but if that were happening, you would definitely have more than noise. Power steering fluid should never have to be replaced unless the system is opened up or you have a leak.

Keep us informed of what you find out.

[This message has been edited by 2000F150Fun (edited 11-16-2000).]

 

Well, the belt tensioner is fine - the belt is in good shape too.
PS Pump seems to be ok - but the motor was still warm when i was looking at it today - i'll try in the morning if i can - or when the truck has cooled off - sometime over the weekend, and i'll post my results.

Any further suggestions, still welcomed.

Dean

------------------
Bambino Worldwide
http://bambino.dhs.org/

 

My power steering whines a little too but only when turning to the left. It sounds like air running through the lines or something. Anyone else have similar problems?

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Guess i should clarify - this groan that i hear out of what sounds like the p.s. pump is when the truck is parked, in neutral or clutch in. the wheels are pointed straight 99 % of the time. Its only when the motor is cold, not when the motor is warm. Im going to do my best at getting to the bottom of it this weekend.

onemilmhz, i did have a new ps pump put in my truck after it caught a couple feet of air - that one was groaning for a day before i could get them, somehow, to replace it under warranty.

It seems like fords ps pumps have a very distinct aerostar/87 f-series sound to them.

best of luck, and i will let you how things work out.



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Bambino Worldwide
http://bambino.dhs.org/