Power steering noise

[jeffk388]

My 99 W-Star had bad noise when I was turning the steering wheel, more noise when turning right. I flushed the PS with Valoline DEX/MER ATF fluid by removing fuel pump fuse. It helped a little bit, but still making noise, especially turning left. If I do flush with Mobil 1 ATF, will it resolve the problem? Is this noise coming from other part?

[Andrew1941]

I am not that much of a mechanic, but I would say there could be a problem with the rack. I would first check the level of the PS fluid and make sure it is topped up. There could be air trapped in the system; do you think you would have sucked any in during the flush? If so, then maybe others can suggest how to bleed it, but I would work the steering back and forth with the engine running a bunch of times being careful not pull hard when at the extremes so as to not damge any seals or hoses. Then maybe check around for any leaks if the PS fluid was low.

Not sure, but I was reading the Ford TSB's for the 2000 -2003 Windstars last night and I think read that there was a problem with the rack, but yours is a 99 so I am not sure what to say?

[mundy5]

it could. make sure it's mobil 1 ATF fully synthetic. apparently the power steering fluid is exposed to very high heat and therefore getting the synthetic would be more beneficial. after my fluid flush, i have not heard any whining noise when turning.

[wiswind]

Read up on the "general windstar information" sticky post.....the grease needle part....maybe you need some lubrication at some key points.
While not as good as grease through a grease fitting......as they don't come that way anymore....that is the best we can do with the OEM pivot points

[lewisnc100]

Agree with wiswind, when I got my 2000 within 1,000 miles the power steering made noise like you're describing. Flushed the power steering fluid with Valvoline synthetic and it helped some, but the main thing that got rid of the noise was getting fresh grease in there with the needle. I've kept doing that every 20k miles or so and it stays quiet.

[jeffk388]

Thanks for your inputs. The noise is gone when outside temperature is about 72 F and comes back when it is cool. This happened before I flushed the PS. This made me think that joint/pivot lube might not be related. Any ideas about the noise?

[northern piper]

you need to get someone else to turn the wheel while you look underneath. I'd try it first with the front off the ground and see if the noise is there. If it isn't, then likely is a loading/suspension noise. If the noise is present with the front in the air than you need to concentrate on the steering. Without hearing the noise it is difficult to diagnose.

Piper

[searcherrr]

Originally Posted by jeffk388

Thanks for your inputs. The noise is gone when outside temperature is about 72 F and comes back when it is cool. This happened before I flushed the PS. This made me think that joint/pivot lube might not be related. Any ideas about the noise?

Grease is more "lube-ee" (lol) warmer than colder. The easier your pivot points can move the less struggle from your PS pump and rack assembly. If its all the old parts and never replaced it might be time to replace all the outer/inner tie rod ends. Also there is a Power steering cleaner agent you can put in your system. I don't know who else sells it but Napa. I put it in mine and it seems to lessen the noise maybe by about half, but I have never gotten rid of it even after replacing most of my suspension/steering parts including the pump. Good luck.