Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: booksix on July 01, 2008, 01:42:01 AM

Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: booksix on July 01, 2008, 01:42:01 AM
The pump is brand new (yet the system still whines, even when properly filled and bled).  The rack is the same one that was on the car when I bought it back in 1999 (likely the original piece).  So, here's what happens:

When going into or through a corner, the power steering system will randomly lose a BUNCH of resistance at the wheel, causing the car to bite into the corner harder (but only for a second as I naturally make up for it).  What could cause this?  I'm guessing it's my rack and I'm sure I should inspect it all, but I figured I'm awake and I'm sure someone will answer!  :hick:
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: Carpimp1987 on July 01, 2008, 03:05:14 AM
Sorry wish i could help a hate probelms with the steering system in my old car i swapped out to TC wheels and the  plastic ring got stuck and shattered and i almost missed my turn lucky i was the 1st one out of the light almost went past the far lane and it did it a few more times after that but not as bad i hope you get it fixed and that its something minor.
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: dw43935 on July 01, 2008, 03:39:44 AM
Sounds like the same problem I had with my old 87 T-Bird. I replaced the rack & never had a problem after that. It always seemed to happen when I least expected it. I'm not sure if the rack being shot would make your pump whine though.
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: Chuck W on July 01, 2008, 07:54:39 AM
If your rack and pump aren't "matched", you can have problems.

If you have the Hi-Effort (15:1) rack, you need to make sure you have the matching pump. 

If you try and combine a Hi-Effort Rack with a "normal" one, you can have issues like you are describing.  (Not the whining, but the other)

I've had issues with parts places only listing one pump for both set-ups, which is not correct.
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: bighermHK45 on July 01, 2008, 01:56:43 PM
Quote from: booksix;225384
The pump is brand new (yet the system still whines, even when properly filled and bled).    :hick:


How do you bleed the power steering pump?
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: booksix on July 01, 2008, 06:59:36 PM
I don't remeber exactly how i bled it but I researched it thoroughly and prnted the instructions before doing it (it nvolved havng the front end off the ground).  Also, I have a stock tc rack with an 89 5.0 mustang spec pump.  It seemed to cured my overboosted steering issues (5.0 with my original tc pump had my steering so easy  I could pretty thnk left and the car would swerve) but now I have this other issue..  I also noticed this morning that it always seems to be when the wheel hits about 45* to the right it hangs a bit and when I apply a touch more pressure it gives and I get the swerve.  Not sure about left turns....
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: 88turbo on July 01, 2008, 07:15:02 PM
I had this problem too with several new pumps.  I changed the rack and it didnt fix my problem.  I ended up buying a pump for my old 79 cougar since all of the pumps they brought out didnt have a  reservoir.  Problem solved.  steering is very sensitive and smooth and doesnt hang up.
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: booksix on July 01, 2008, 07:27:18 PM
no reservoir?
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: 88turbo on July 01, 2008, 07:37:39 PM
turbo coupe only sorry  lol
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: booksix on July 02, 2008, 01:18:46 AM
What's TC only?  My car is a TC.
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on July 02, 2008, 09:01:19 AM
The '87-'88 TC pump uses a remote reservoir, mounts on fenderwell next to coil...

Maybe I'm lucky, but when I repl my pump, it's never whined once... I filled and then rotated it by hand, till there were no bubbles coming back  up the return line... Return on the pump was plugged and was dumping fluid into a pan, this also changes most of the fluid in the rack...
Title: Power steering changing resistance at my hands. Why?
Post by: booksix on July 02, 2008, 12:11:14 PM
Oh, really?  I guess I thought I used the stock pump but I guess I got the mustang pump with the motor.  So, could the mismatch be the problem?