power steering

[warddaman]

I replaced the return hose on the my 2000 5.4 engine and refilled the fluid. I drove it down the street to get the fluid to flow through. All the sudden the wheel went from stiff to normal but it started to make a whinning sound. Turn it off and filled the fluid back up and now its still making the whinning sound and the steering wheel is loose. Did I blow the pump or is it air bubbles? Any thoughts?

Thanks for your input.

Ryan

 

[toms89]

Did you turn steering wheel lock to lock several times to bleed system of air?

You also need to make sure it is filled to proper level. Do not overfill.

 

[jrjr]

When I did the all the lines in my explorer I was told to cycle lock to lock 40 times before starting the motor. This bleeds air out of the system. I replaced the lines on the rack as well so it was pretty empty. As I understand it the Ford pumps do not deal with air and it can ruin them. That's what I did and it worked out for me. You very well may have pump issues.... but it's hard to say. Maybe a pro will chime in.

 

[warddaman]

Well I had to travel to Balimore on Monday and when I got back that night I started up the Expy and the noise was gone. I drove it around and still no noise and the fluid level was still good. Drove it again last night, had no problems and fluid level was still good. I did see where their was still fluid leaking and I dont know if that was from the original problem so I took it to the wash last night and sprayed the undercarriage. Going to check again tonight to see if their is any more leaks. Thanks for your help and posts. I think/hope it was just air in the lines.