Recently on my Ranger I installed a wix inline filter and topped it off with Mobil 1 ATF. Previously I had RP synchromax mixed with whatever they used at the factory. Now when the ps pump warms up it whines and quiet cold. Previously with the RP and factory fill quiet when warmed up and made a little racket when first started up cold. I wouldn't think the filter would make much of a difference. I'm tempted to siphon out most of the Mobil 1 ATF and use some RP's ps fluid since it's fairly thick. Thoughts?
PS pump whine
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If the filter is allowing air into the system that could be your noise. Also those pumps seem to prefer fluid with a fairly high level of friction modifier.
The filter shouldn't be a problem, even if it was allowing air in, the filter should be on the return side to the reservoir. If it's on the suction side it may not be allowing enough flow and causing cavitation in the pump.
The filter is on the return side. The clamps are tight so air shouldn't be getting into the system.
It is possible that there was crud in the fluid that filled the filter.....I would say that it is VERY unlikely due to the newness of your vehicle though.
Also, I agree with your choice of using a synthetic fluid.
I would try a flush with all new fluid.
The Mobil 1 ATF should be just fine as long as your system calls for Mercon or Mercon V fluid.
Some vehicles, like my windstar, are known for cooking the power steering fluid......even with the factory power steering fluid cooler.
Power steering fluid that has gone bad is a common cause of pump noise.
It is also about the cheapest fix.
Also, I agree with your choice of using a synthetic fluid.
I would try a flush with all new fluid.
The Mobil 1 ATF should be just fine as long as your system calls for Mercon or Mercon V fluid.
Some vehicles, like my windstar, are known for cooking the power steering fluid......even with the factory power steering fluid cooler.
Power steering fluid that has gone bad is a common cause of pump noise.
It is also about the cheapest fix.
At 10k I hope not but it's possible. The filter does have a bypass. Ford's does seem hard on ps fluid so that's why i'm taking these steps early in the truck's life.
Not to mention that 99% of Ford PS pumps whine like crazy...
Yep!
Try a couple siphon/refills with Valvoline ATF+4.
Or, add lubegard PSF protectant.
RoyalPurple synchromax is an MTF. Try the MaxATF.
Nothing wrong with Mobil 1 ATF. I've used it for years in multiple PS reservoirs. You should consider several siphon/refills of the PSF. And, stick with one brand/type fluid.
Quiet cold, hot noisy to me means your PS pump likes thicker cooler fluid. A bigger PSF cooler should be considered. Try thicker fluids like high mileage ATFs from pennzoil/QS, the HPSglide from SpecialtyFormulations, the Redline hightemp ATF, or the RoyalPurple MaxEz.
The ranger doesn't have a cooler. I thought about installing one but with the size of this vehicle and the type of driving isn't worth the expense. I'll have to look at the lubeguard if that works it would save me some money. MaxEz is 8-9 a quart compared to Mobil 1 ATF which is 5.60
why not stick with the stock fluid, I've got two Fords and they both work fine with the stock fluid, I just siphon and fill them every 1-2 years to keep the fluid fresh.
Anyone know the viscosity of Mercon (stock fluid) ?, sounds to me like the viscosity of the new fluid goes out of spec when hot.
Anyone know the viscosity of Mercon (stock fluid) ?, sounds to me like the viscosity of the new fluid goes out of spec when hot.
one other note, you may want to try to isolate the issue, as right now we don't know if it is the filter or the fluid causing the new noise. Maybe take out the filter for a short while if you can and see if the noise continues, if it does then you know it's the fluid. just a suggestion. Once you isolate the issue you can deal with it more accurately I think.
Whining Ford PS pump you say? Welcome to the club!!! Try the lubegard fluid and additive. Sometimes they work and sometimes the whine stays FOREVER. Common Ford problem. Why they can't fix it, I do not know
. Good luck!
I have Redline Power Steering fluid in my '96 Windstar.
It calls for a "Type F" ATF.
The Redline Bottle lists the Ford Specification number that is in my owner's manual.
The Bottle also states that it is for Power steering units that call for Mercon and a bunch of other specifications....
I would not trust it to meet all those specs in a automatic transmission....but they are only making that statement for use in power steering systems.
You can check the redline oil website to read them.
I have been running the Redline in the power steering system for several years....and it has been great in cold and hot weather.
Again, I think that you will be just fine with the Mobil 1, and it is super easy to find.
You can also do a Auto RX treatment of the power steering system....but you will want to change the filter when you do that.....
It calls for a "Type F" ATF.
The Redline Bottle lists the Ford Specification number that is in my owner's manual.
The Bottle also states that it is for Power steering units that call for Mercon and a bunch of other specifications....
I would not trust it to meet all those specs in a automatic transmission....but they are only making that statement for use in power steering systems.
You can check the redline oil website to read them.
I have been running the Redline in the power steering system for several years....and it has been great in cold and hot weather.
Again, I think that you will be just fine with the Mobil 1, and it is super easy to find.
You can also do a Auto RX treatment of the power steering system....but you will want to change the filter when you do that.....
I had good luck in my '98 Ranger with Valvoline Synpower PS fluid and a very slight amount of the Lucas rack and pinion additive. I know, I know the hate sometimes about additives but this was a vehicle I was desperate to fix before a complete rack replacement and the results were impressive with a lot of miles afterward with no problems.
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