Power Steering Acting Up

[chrisgrayjr]

Hey Everyone.

Over the weekend I replaced the front brake pads on my Ranger (1999 2WD with 3L V6) While I was working on it, I had the front end on jack stands and turned the steering wheel to get to the caliper bolts. When I turned the wheel, a stream of power steering fluid came shooting out of the cap on the pump, and after I got the front end reassembled, I test drove it to test the brakes. The brakes work fine, but when I turn the wheel, I get a vibration. I've eliminated the brakes from being the problem, because it happens when the truck is standing still as well as idling, the brakes don't pull to one side or the other, which would imply that one of the brake pads were put on incorrectly, and it only vibrates when the wheel is turned, and even that is intermittent. My theory is that since the power steering is a hydraulic system, air somehow got into it when I turned the wheel with the front end off the ground and the fluid shooting out the cap was replaced with air in the system. I warmed up the truck and filled the power steering fluid while it was running, so it's not low, but the vibration is still there. Does the system need to be bled, or is this something that will go away with time? If it does need to be bled, where is the bleeder valve? Thanks for any help you can offer me. I'm new to this particular message board, but have been a member of a few motorcycle message boards and have learned that these types of boards usually offer more help than any manual or book.

Thanks!

[steveon3]

Chris, I replaced brakes and rotors on 2 wheel drive Ranger and have expericenced the same problem. I have turned the steering wheel to the left and right to bleed the air out of the system but it still is doing it. If things change with it I will let you know

[mrrob]

I had the same problem today, I ended up driving the truck and made hard left and right turns (down a straight road), I was told these trucks have this problem. Air seems to sneak into the P/S system!

It should go away, go to a quiet road and crank the wheel left to right.

Mr.Rob

Lic Mech Auto/Truck/Trailer Ect..

[bagwell]

I have a 99 60k and have this vibration problem intermittedly as well.....is this the pump going bad????...mine also has a buzz/whine.