95 Taurus fuel pump

I have a 1995 Taurus GL wagon with 99,700 miles with the 3.0L Vulcan. The car has been very reliable and runs perfectly, except I've noticed the electric fuel pump has been getting louder over time. At this point, there's quite a pronounced hum coming from the rear of the car. Has anyone else experienced this? Does this mean the fuel pump is on the way out? The answer to this is probably obvious, but I've never replaced the fuel filter; could this be the cause of the hum? Are fuel pumps expensive, and are they difficult to replace?
Thanks.

I would definatley spend the $7.00 and 15 minutes changing the filter.

If the pump is trying to push the fuel in a restricted line it could very well cause the noise.

Mike
:smokin:

Try the replacing your old fuel filter with a good brand (non-cheap) fuel filter first. Check your lines and if you have water or sediment in your gas tank. The fuel pump may require removal of your gas tank to get to it. Check your handy manual for this.

I feel a little foolish. I mean, duh,,, almost 100,000 miles on a fuel filter, and I'm wondering why the fuel pump is making noise...
Anyway, I replaced the filter today with a Purolator. It seems quieter, but I'll have to drive it a little more to really decide if it's better. The old one was difficult to blow through.
Thanks, everyone.

Well, after about one month, I can say that it's really not any quieter. It's loudest after it's been running for a while.

Any other suggestions?

Your fuel pump is more than likely on it's way out, and it would be wise to replace it now than to wait and be stranded (don't ask me how I know this). I remember reading somewhere that these fuel pumps would get contaminated with the left over solder from when the fuel tanks were put together and get louder and fail. The same thing happened to me, and mine went all of a sudden. How I missed that noise that night...
Also, spend the extra money and get a Ford fuel pump. As a tech, I have replaced many pumps 2 and 3 times because the aftermarket ones failed after a couple of months. I too bought a Master fuel pump from AutoZone, and after 2 months the noise was back, so I returned it and got a Ford one, and haven't had trouble since. Since this is a very aggrevating job and the pumps seem to always go right AFTER you fill up, do yourself a favor and get a good one the first time.

Thanks, mlw35405. Sorry I hadn't responded sooner - work has kept me busy.

I haven't changed the fuel pump yet; I'm hoping I can wait until the weather is a little warmer. While I've never been a big fan of the quality of parts from AutoZone, Pep Boys, Strauss, et.al., I've always had good luck with NAPA. What's your opinion? I'm sure a pump from NAPA would cost less than what Ford would charge.

Thanks again.