Groan in front end when turning to right, sometimes...

I have a groan in the front end when turning to the right. (Sometimes, not always) Sounds like it is coming from right front corner. Recently installed rebuilt rack and pinion, rebuilt power steering pump, lower control arms, tie rod ends, new front struts and strut bearing plates. Any ideas? I'm all ears...

Cheap idea....Perhaps air in the power steering system?....Check fluid level in resevoir....and then turn the wheels from stop to stop....without resting against either stop.....do it a couple of times.....and recheck the fluid level.
It sometimes takes a while to get all the air out.
If there are bubbles (or foam) in the fluid that you see in the resevoir....wait until they raise up out.....as you don't want to re-circulate them through the system.

Agreed. You almost have to overfilled the reservoir to get all the entrained air removed. In fact, I often overfill my power strg reservoir when changing fluid ... I make sure to put cap in place, but do not screw down. After a few miles of driving, the excess is removed with a syringe.

I had asimilar problem on an Aerostar. Was fixed by lubricating all of the chassis points that i could find. I had one, brand new, ball joint that i had installed with the stock amount of lube, apparently not enough.

I've never known a rack to groan like that, but maybe. The sort of sound he is describing seems more like metal on metal under stress, like a ball joint in the socket, or control arm attachment.

just my :2cents:

Did you use power steering fluid or tranny fluid in the pump? Tranny fluid has better lubricity and will normally quiet an otherwise noisy pump.

Starting to think you are right about the new ball joint in the lower control arm needs more lube. I have bled the power steering system several times and it has zero effect, no foaming or signs of air in pump. I think I am going to lube like crazy all over the front bushings. Input from all is appreciated.


I had asimilar problem on an Aerostar. Was fixed by lubricating all of the chassis points that i could find. I had one, brand new, ball joint that i had installed with the stock amount of lube, apparently not enough.

I've never known a rack to groan like that, but maybe. The sort of sound he is describing seems more like metal on metal under stress, like a ball joint in the socket, or control arm attachment.

just my :2cents:

I seen all the parts replaced/checked except seized ball joint.. I have just completed a frepair on the front end of my 96' Windstar and the seized ball joint made the pump work that much more harder and caused the squealing sound. may want to lift it up and give the front wheel a turn both ways and see where she's coming from. Just a note.. Good luck

ATF fluid, type F per the instructions that came in the box witht the replacement pump.

Did you use power steering fluid or tranny fluid in the pump? Tranny fluid has better lubricity and will normally quiet an otherwise noisy pump.