2003 Windstar makes whining noise

[jpacker]

2003 Windstar makes a loud whining noise after the steering wheel is turned for a steep turn. It quiets down with a strong acceleration comming out of the turn or after the car is turned off and restarted. (This began 2 days after the warranty ran out!) Any ideas what I can do?

[CoachKarl]

Welcome jjpacker,

Please elaborate on the whine.

My guess is . . .

Loose serpentine belt.

Karl.

[rodeo02]

Take a look at the power steering fluid. It was black, burnt and nasty on my 2001 @ 32K miles! Dealer flushed/cleaned it for free for me & it's been good ever since (bought it used just a few weeks prior). The power steering pump whined badly on that dirty Mercon fluid. No more noise with clean mercon in there.
G/luck
Joel

[jpacker]

It sounds like gears grinding on each other at a high speed. Thanks.

[wiswind]

Look into flushing the power steering fluid.
Make sure to use the correct fluid.....I think you need to use Mercon transmission fluid in your power steering....but verify before adding. Do NOT buy "power steering fluid" at the auto parts store.....as it is not the right stuff for the windstar.
If your year calls for Mercon ATF.....I would recommend Mobil 1 ATF....which is a synthetic.....and will take the heat better....and will give you better cold flow. It is also readily available at many auto part stores. It is possible that someone in the past added the wrong stuff..........
Do a search in this forum on "power steering flush" and you will find several posts giving step by step instructions on how to flush the power steering fluid. This is not expensive,....and is a good routine maintenance item to do every few years anyhow.

[dhamer]

I had the same problem, but the fluid was fine. The dealer says there is a leak in the pump, air is getting in and causing cavitation. They say I need a new one $540 Cdn. + labour.