MMO is power steering?

[HyperJinx]

Ok the power steering unit in one of our beaters is starting to make noise. It would normally make noise only when I turned it left or right but now its making a groaning noise even when its not under load. I saw on here that someone used MMO to help a power steering problem but I cant find it (of course).

Q: How does mmo help a noisey power steering unit?
Q: If it does help, how much do I put in?
Q: If you have done this, what was the result?

 

[Johnny]

I don't know about that. Have you tried to email the tech depart of Turtle Wax who make MMO?

What kind of old beater?

 

[HyperJinx]

The beater in question is a 1993 Mustang GT 5.0 w 150k.

 

[Johnny]

If I were going to try it, I don't think I would use more that 3 or 4 ounces in it. I guess it's possible it might free something up. I don't think I would want to leave it in there if it did stop the noise.

 

[Gary Allan]

Ah, I think that there's some unique fatigue issues with Ford power steering units of this vintage. I think fluid changing and augmentation (synth, cleaning, etc.) is attempted before replacement of the pump. I had to change out the pump on my daughter's 93 Taurus. Actually I had a steering issue that was somewhat corrected with a trans mount (as odd as it sounds) but was fixed with the replacement of the PS pump. I could not for the life of me reason it.

Get a Mangefine for it too.

 

[MolaKule]

How about simply changing the fluid out with the Turkey Baster method first as maybe the fluid is worn out/oxidized/caput?

 

[Steve S]

A flush is the way to go.

 

[wiswind]

As a FORD owner, noisy power steering is not uncommon, often solved by replacing the fluid.
MMO is not a substitue for changing the power steering fluid.
You might want to research.....but 'I think' that you will need to use Automatic Transmission Fluid in the power steering.
For a '93, it might call for a Type F fluid....although a Mercon/Mercon V should also work.
I would recommend a synthetic.....as it will be more resistant to the "cooking" that seems to happen to the power steering fluid in FORDs.

As mentioned, the turkey baster method is about the easiest way to do the job.
HOWEVER take care to avoid dripping the fluid onto the belt.
You might lay a shop towel, etc over the belt (engine off) when taking the fluid out of the resevoir and putting fresh fluid in.
I know from experience that just a little fluid onto the belt is not a good thing.
A couple drain and fills of the resevoir.....drain...fill, start motor, turn steering wheel each direction......repeat, will freshen the system up.
No more that a couple of quarts needed to really do a super thorough job.

 

[CourierDriver]

go get some Motorkote at a truckstop or look it up on the webb, its good stuff

 

[Quest]

Anyone cheep enough to fall for that "jesus-in-a-can" will definitely add that to anything else they could find: pwr-steering, oil, transmission, etc. Hexk! they even intentionally mix that with motor oil to lower their oil's viscosity (why not buy lower viscosity oil to begin with)?

*perplexed*

Q.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: MolaKule
How about simply changing the fluid out with the Turkey Baster method first as maybe the fluid is worn out/oxidized/caput?


+1 I would give the turkey baster method a try. Drain as much as possible refill, drive a little and repeat a few times. Or you could fast track it and drain, refill, turn the wheel a few times and drain and refill. I prefer driving it, and doing the fluid swap over a few days. I'd do it at least 4 times and see what happens. Lubegard makes a good PS additive, which I would try after the turkey baster method flush refill.

 

[Johnny]

I like the turkey baster method. Less chance of getting air in the system.

 

[panthermike]

Agreed on turkey baster method. I did this a few times w/ synthetic PS fluid in my 88' Town car. It got rid of the majority of "whining" and the steering improved IMO.

 

[jonny-b]

Originally Posted By: Quest
Anyone cheep enough to fall for that "jesus-in-a-can" will definitely add that to anything else they could find: pwr-steering, oil, transmission, etc. Hexk! they even intentionally mix that with motor oil to lower their oil's viscosity (why not buy lower viscosity oil to begin with)?

*perplexed*

Q.
I haven't tried Motorkote, but I think that Quest is showing a rather narrow-minded approach to it.
Since Quest doesn't know what this Motorkote is, I suggest that he keeps his mouth shut, when it is debated.
Personal experience is the key here, when this kind of product is suggested.

The way that he indicates that all additives are the same, is simply because he doesn't know anything about them.

 

[wander2039]

In a case like yours I'd do the turkey baster method and refill with MMO. Run it a for a few hundred miles and repeat with Mercon. Could be just changing out with Mercon would clear it up but at least after the MMO it should clean any deposits. The few I've done Taurus and Escape just plain Mercon didn't clear it up. I run a ounce or two in the Escape and it's quiet regardless of the temp.. it's a ounce per quart.

 

[CourierDriver]

Originally Posted By: Quest
Anyone cheep enough to fall for that "jesus-in-a-can" will definitely add that to anything else they could find: pwr-steering, oil, transmission, etc. Hexk! they even intentionally mix that with motor oil to lower their oil's viscosity (why not buy lower viscosity oil to begin with)?

*perplexed*
Jesue in a Can,,i like it,lol
Q.

 

[lipadj46]

Originally Posted By: Quest
Anyone cheep enough to fall for that "jesus-in-a-can" will definitely add that to anything else they could find: pwr-steering, oil, transmission, etc. Hexk! they even intentionally mix that with motor oil to lower their oil's viscosity (why not buy lower viscosity oil to begin with)?

*perplexed*

Q.


Why are you posting in the Jesus-in-a-can section then if you don't believe in this stuff? They have a word for that I believe.

 

[wiswind]

My own opinion is that certain additives have their place, in specific applications.
However, at least in the FORD power steering application, best to replace the tired, worn out fluid.
Cheap and easy, might solve the problem.
A synthetic should give better cold weather flow (easier steering) and tolerate the heat better than a "dyno" fluid.

If not, then a additive may help, certainly cheaper and easier than a power steering pump.

A look at the hoses, for any signs of breaking down might be in order.

I installed a Magnefine inline filter on the power steering system on my '96 windstar.
The place to do that is on the return (low pressure) line.

Since they don't put grease fittings on tie rod ends anymore, dried out and tight tie rod ends can make a racket while turning, and add some extra load to the sytem......

 

[hardcore302]

i heard lucas quiets that stuff good.

 

[Kaboomba]

+1 on Lucas quieting noisy Ford PS systems

Lubegard makes two PS products: Flush and Fluid Protectant. They both work as advertised. The catch is they cost $10 each.

K