Hello Pros!

I need some advice and responses. For the past three weeks I noticed a lot of noise and hesitation when really putting a strain on the power steering unit. No its not the usual, "My steering is loud" I can put up with that, this was x10 worse.

So, step one: Fluid (OK, little low, but within constraints)
Step two: Belt Tension (OK)
Step three: Replace Belt (OK, What the hell I was due 44,000 and I could use a spare behind the seat)

No luck, still giving me the same ****. So, I was stopping by my relative’s house on Thanksgiving and figured I would use the warmth of the family garage to check this out. Well, needless to say it couldn't have gotten there a moment to soon. As I was making the turn into the garage door, I lost all steering.

So, check the fluid, still ok. However, as I lost the steering, it was ticking and making some hellish noises, took the scope and sure enough the pump was the source to all my problems / noise.

Access to the pump was fun, like anything on the front end, as I was feeling around the pump I noticed a bolt was missing and it seemed like I had a fresh leak. I dropped the pump and sure enough the %^%$& thing was seized like a, well it was seized.

Since it was a holiday, getting the part was worthless. So Friday I followed up with about 22 shops attempting to locate the pump, of course no one stocks something that shouldn't break, especially at 43,000k.

So it ended up all the dealerships wanted 165.72 for the part, most of the shops didn't have a replacement for the part. NAPA came to my rescue with a pump for 66.00; however they still haven't been able to produce it because of warehouse problems. Regardless, I'm not out of the clear yet, I'm still waiting for the part.

So I was curious why the pump died, so I ripped the POS open and found the rooter in two pieces. NOW WHAT THE HECK! Overall, I'm kinda peeved. One it died, two, why is a bolt missing? I've done some reading and it seems I'm not the only one having issue, so I'm probably going to write a letter to Ford and would appreciate some feedback to go along with my letter. I know Ford has always had a bit of a weak knee when it came to power steering; so, I'm interested to see what they have to say.

I did talk to my dealership, the owner told me to hold onto the receipts and he was going to see if Ford would reimburse me the money under their, so called "Goodwill" Program. That would be nice, and it would appease me to a point. Regardless, let me know about you experiences!

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2000 Ford F-150 XLT SC 4.6L - Island Blue / Gold
K&N Gen II Intake, Throttle Body Mod, Gibson Swept Side Exhaust
ACE Island Blue Cab Lid - Westin Tubular Running Boards
Lund Bug Shield / Window Fins.
Interior Mods - Custom Center Console
Pioneer Deck / DSP / 12 Disc CD Changer
Pioneer Component Speakers
Rockford Fosgate Amps Punch 100 / 240.4
Custom enclosure w/ 2 - Punch 8" Subs

 

I had my power sterring pump go out in my Navigator at about 65,000 miles. Talking to the dealers they were all surprised that it went out so soon, but their are always a few lemons in eveything. I had a shop replace mine, as like you said, it can be kind of a bitch to get to. Even if Ford covered the part, I doubt you will get compensation for your labor. They may have covered labor, if you had a dealer perform the work. Good luck with getting Ford to cover it, but for $66.00, you're not into it for very much.

 

Mine RIP into pieces (inside) at 98600. One bolt missing too. Still shopping around for the best price. Is the NAPA pump a remanufactured or a new replacement? Do you have their phone # or web site address?

Thanks in advance for the information.

 

The Power steering has 4 bolts. 2 upper and 2 lower. The second lower was installed on some early run pumps in the 2000 production year. Ford is saving money by using one less bolt so now they use 3. The manual says to toss the 2nd lower bolt.

JMC