help...power steering leaks at pulley

[dharrison]

I've change the ps pump which seemed to fix the problem until about a day later. It doesn't leak until I start the car and turn the wheel, then it sprays ps fluid from behind the pulley all over the place. Right now it's up on my car stands until I can call my mechanic for advice, but I don't think he'll have any.

Is it the gear box or valve that is causing too much pressure?

The first pump I replace was leaking at the same place but only when I shut the engine off.

Any advice?

[irish30]

What type of fluid was installed? How the power steering system purged of air?

[dharrison]

I used Ford's motorcraft "F" type transmission fluid per the car's manual and after installing the pump, filling it, we turned the steering wheel side to side to each stop a number of times.

I called the mechanic this morning, he stated that if it's leaking from the pulley, it's a bad pump. Looks like I have some work to do tonight.

[armonica]

Did you tell the mechanic you put Tranny type F oil in it? Don't worry, you are not the first guy nor the last guy to mix up fluids.

Power steering pumps use power steering pump fluid. Please check your manual and make sure it really does say to use type F transmission fluid (F-OIL) for your PS. I think it is very unlikely that it does. In fact I'm sure of it.

PS Fluid is thicker than F-OIL. That is probably why it is leaking. The seals in the pump are not made for that and depending on what they are made of can break down fast with tranny oil. Your power assisted rack could be screwed for the same reason. That is an expensive sucker too. If it were me, I would replace the whole system and not drive it until it is. PS, the power assisted rack and hoses. Being able to steer your car is right behind being able to stop it unless you are at high speed. Then I guess it is a toss up.

Make sure that whoever replaces the system knows what they are doing. I recommend a FORD dealer because they are trained on how to do it right. It isn't a trivial thing like it used to be.

Armonica

[mr_tw]

umm ya just so you are aware, my 1990 Taurus REQUIRES type F it says so in the owners manual, and also at canadian tire where I went today and doublechecked before I bought it, so it does requite the Type F Tranny Fluid

[armonica]

Originally Posted by mr_tw

umm ya just so you are aware, my 1990 Taurus REQUIRES type F it says so in the owners manual, and also at canadian tire where I went today and doublechecked before I bought it, so it does requite the Type F Tranny Fluid

Yes, do use Type F fluid in your tranny, not your Power Steering. They are not interchangeable.

[mr_tw]

well I'm sorry to tell you this, but not only my Uncle (a regersterd Ford Mechanic) and my owners manual they all say to use Type F tranny fluid in the power steering pump, no 2 ways about it, thats just the wqay that it is

[armonica]

Originally Posted by mr_tw

well I'm sorry to tell you this, but not only my Uncle (a regersterd Ford Mechanic) and my owners manual they all say to use Type F tranny fluid in the power steering pump, no 2 ways about it, thats just the wqay that it is

That is ok. Just as long as your sure that is what it takes. That would explain why it isn't working right, however. I try to stay away from the Fords as a rule. Sometimes I end up working on them anyhow. I have found the wrong fluid/oil or too much/too little of it in cars more times than I can remember. Even from a Jiffy Lube or a garage. Something totally stupid like adding motor oil to the windshield wash!

Did you ask your uncle what he thinks is wrong? If he really has the right fluid in it, it sounds like something is wrong with that pump even though it is new. Either a bad seal or the shaft has worn down too much (rebuilt maybe?). I'm assuming that the car performs correctly and the engine doesn't seem to be laboring to turn that pulley. I don't think those pumps have a screen or filter in them like a Mercedes does. Yea, I work on just about anything.