Noisy Ford PS Pump

[ET16]

I've got an '02 Cougar with a slightly noisy ps pump. I've got a mix in there now of mostly Merc V. I've got some Mobil 1 ATF and some Maxlife on hand. I'm guessing that these would be better, but is there a preferred ATF for these pumps?

Thanks.

 

[demarpaint]

I've learned to live with it. The slight noise is not effecting operation, I now have ~ 183,000 miles on my Aerostar and can remember the same noise since I bought with ~ 50,000 miles. I've done Turkey baster fluid changes to no avail. Mine takes Type F ATF.

 

[sw99]

All my Fords (F150's) have had noisy PS pumps. I too use yearly turkey baster method. The first few are closer together (every other week for two months) to get as much of the contaminants out. After I am satisfied that I have clean fluid, I just do it yearly. I have never had a pump fail me and all of these Fords have had well over 100k. Must be a Ford thing.

 

[mechtech2]

Fords and noisy pumps are an old tradition.
The MerconV is a good fluid.
A number of turkey baster flushes in succession is always a good idea. Your objective is clean fluid, and this is a painless and clean way to do it.
On some older Fords, a small shot of the thick version of STP has cured or attenuated noise more than once.

 

[ET16]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Fords and noisy pumps are an old tradition.
The MerconV is a good fluid.
A number of turkey baster flushes in succession is always a good idea. Your objective is clean fluid, and this is a painless and clean way to do it.
On some older Fords, a small shot of the thick version of STP has cured or attenuated noise more than once.


That's interesting. So, thick is better than thin for Ford pumps. I was thinking maybe the opposite and going Dex VI.

 

[ctrcbob]

Funny I should see this thread at this moment. My sister and brother-in-law are visiting me and their 2005 Freestyle AWD (with 78,000) was making noise whenever they would go around a corner. They thought it was the CVT transmission, however I said that transmission problems would show up even when going ahead, so I lifted the hood, and had him turn the steering wheel. NOISE! OK, now we know it is the PS Pump. Well, we went to my local Ford dealer had them flush out the PS system. (I'm sure they used Ford fluid). Technician said that there was a lot of "[censored]" in the fluid that was flushed out. Guess what?

NO MORE NOISE! My sister and brother-in-law are just happy that they don't have to replace the PS Pump (or the transmission like they first thought).

 

[bdcardinal]

completely flush out the fluid with fresh Mercon V, and add a bottle of XL-3 friction modifier.

 

[Colt45ws]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
completely flush out the fluid with fresh Mercon V, and add a bottle of XL-3 friction modifier.

Interesting. Noted for later use..

 

[TooManyWheels]

On my 88 F150, bleeding would make a difference for a while, then it would come back.

Likewise, a rebuilt pump and flushing, then a set of hoses and flushing made no permanent difference.

Obviously air was getting into the system somewhere. Replacing the box cured it permanently.

 

[ET16]

Originally Posted By: Onmo'Eegusee
Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
completely flush out the fluid with fresh Mercon V, and add a bottle of XL-3 friction modifier.

Interesting. Noted for later use..


Yea, I'd never have thought of the friction modifier.

 

[tig1]

I've used Mobil 1 ATF in all my Ford PS pumps for many years and never had a pump failure or noise. If yours is already making noise it may be too late.

 

[ET16]

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[demarpaint]

Mine has made noise for over 130,000 miles, it functions perfectly. I think it is a known problem with older Fords.

Just curious after reading through this thread. Is there a replacement for Type F used in the older Ford PS pumps? I'm looking for something from a parts store and not mail order. I'm due for another baster fluid exchange maybe I'll give something other than Type F a shot. Ford Vinage 1988-1993 are the years I'm referring to.

Thanks

 

[mechtech2]

I never heard of or used friction modifiers in any PS or hydraulic system.
To me, it is conspicuous by it's absence.

Anyway, STP on old Fords sometimes works. I have had noise go away for a year or two.
It is not the first thing to put in a modern car.

 

[ET16]

Originally Posted By: demarpaint
Mine has made noise for over 130,000 miles, it functions perfectly. I think it is a known problem with older Fords.

Just curious after reading through this thread. Is there a replacement for Type F used in the older Ford PS pumps? I'm looking for something from a parts store and not mail order. I'm due for another baster fluid exchange maybe I'll give something other than Type F a shot. Ford Vinage 1988-1993 are the years I'm referring to.

Thanks


I would think that Mercon V would be fine, although I think that it is slightly thinner than Type F.

 

[OVERKILL]

Mobil 1 ATF has been my choice for Ford PS pumps and has yielded the best results in terms of quietness.

demarpaint: My Lincoln is an '89, the Mustang was an '87, both had Mobil 1 ATF in them. You know the mileage. Both pumps are original.