Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: LJS30 on August 01, 2008, 12:16:35 AM

Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: LJS30 on August 01, 2008, 12:16:35 AM
I'm curious guys, on my Mom's 83 Cougar her power steering unit is very noisy.  It's not a real old unit, works well, doesn't leak or use fluid, yet continually makes ALOT of noise.  What's the issue?
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: vinnietbird on August 01, 2008, 11:27:39 AM
I had that problem.I pured a bottle of Lucas steering fluid in there and it got real quiet.
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: jangus on August 17, 2008, 11:49:30 AM
+1 on the Lucas product.  My 88TC was making a lot of noise also, and it quited right up.  Still need to do a complete fluid change some time though. It is kind of dirty.  I imagine a complete fluid change plus the Lucas stuff will make it REALLY quite.
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: jcassity on August 17, 2008, 02:14:31 PM
my 20th is kinda loud but im using transmission fluid.  maybe your fluid is a little too thick.
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: bhazard on August 17, 2008, 03:26:25 PM
Wasnt Type F atf the original fill in our cars? That stuff is really thin.
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: 85bird on August 18, 2008, 10:19:19 AM
Belts not tight enought??
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: ipsd on August 18, 2008, 10:50:51 AM
Maybe there is still some air in the system. I remember reading somewhere that to get all the air out you have to jack the front end up and work the steering wheel back and forth lock to lock. IF nothing else can make it stop then it sounds you might be in need of a new rack!
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: EricCoolCats on August 18, 2008, 11:43:35 AM
I've had a noisy p/s pump in the convertible for 7 years now. It's definitely not air bubbles. ;)

The Lucas stuff works great, and I'm sure other additives are just as good. The directions state that it may take up to 500 miles for the additive to work but in my experience it's been more like 1000 miles. Still quiets things up eventually though.
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: Innes on August 18, 2008, 02:30:22 PM
Our ford P/S pump have a habit of getting noisy, someone told me a long time ago keep them clean and put type F in only. I listened and knock on wood I haven’t had a problem in years and owned many fords since.
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: Kitz Kat on August 18, 2008, 05:14:59 PM
Bigger tires don't help either.
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: jcassity on August 18, 2008, 10:49:03 PM
Ill give the "air thing" a valiant effort and go under to loosen the two line fittings on either end.  I'll assume i can get air out from there but if it still happens, im lost.

my pump is oem but the rack / lines are new.
Title: Noisy power steering
Post by: Black88LS on September 05, 2008, 07:18:42 AM
mine whines like a scolded dog, i guess i'll try the lucas stuff in it, see if that helps