I have a 2000 windstar that has had the power steering pump replaced and it continues to be extremely noisy when turning the wheels. M
Where might the noise be coming from? Fluid left in system was not drained when pump was replaced as far as I know. Would appreciate help in determining the correct action to take to eliminate this bothersome noise.

 

Hello and good day:

I would be more inclined to associate the squeal with the serpentine belt rather than the pump. Granted, excess mechanical drag from the pump can cause the belt to slip and squeal, but before focusing on the pump I'd check the condition, tension and alignment of the belt. I might even try cleaning all the pulleys with an aerosol brake cleaner and install a new belt, particularly if the current one has more than 50,000 miles on it. It might be that the squeal is coming from or caused by a different belt-driven accessory.
A more typical noise from a power-steering pump is a high-pitched whine, not a squeal. Usually, if the steering wheel is stationary, meaning that the steering rack is not "asking" for assistance from the high-pressure fluid from the pump, there's little or no noise. As the steering wheel is turned and the steering gear asks the pump for assistance, the pump might whine or howl a bit.

Here's a simple test. Buy an aerosol can of brake cleaner, install the little plastic extension nozzle, open the hood with the engine off and find a safe way to spray the aerosol on the ribbed side of the belt. Make sure clothing, fingers, etc., won't get caught in the belt. Start the engine, and while you're hearing the squeal, spray the aerosol on the belt. You can try this on both sides of the belt. If the squeal stops instantly, then restarts several seconds later, the noise is being generated by belt slippage. If there's no change in noise, the problem more likely is associated with one of the belt-driven accessories.

Whenever the power-steering system is opened on this engine to replace the pump, hose or fluid it might require "bleeding" with the engine shut off. I would be more inclined to associate the squeal with the serpentine belt rather than the pump. Granted, excess mechanical drag from the pump can cause the belt to slip and squeal, but before focusing on the pump I'd check the condition, tension and alignment of the belt. I might even try cleaning all the pulleys with an aerosol brake cleaner and install a new belt, particularly if the current one has more than 50,000 miles on it. It might be that the squeal is coming from or caused by a different belt-driven accessory.

A more typical noise from a power-steering pump is a high-pitched whine, not a squeal. Usually, if the steering wheel is stationary, meaning that the steering rack is not "asking" for assistance from the high-pressure fluid from the pump, there's little or no noise. As the steering wheel is turned and the steering gear asks the pump for assistance, the pump might whine or howl a bit.


Good luck with this...and please keep us advise....

 

Red I have noticed that you are having several problems with this 2000 Windstar...have you resolved any of them so far???