jasonr

So today I noticed a weird noise from my power steering pump. It seemed much louder than normal. When I popped the hood there was some power steering fluid leaking. Would this imply a bad power steering pump or a hose leak & just low fluid?
Thanks,
Jason

mattdel

Power steering units make noise when air enters the system and/or are low on fluid. Fixing the leak, retopping the fluid, and "burping" the system will likely fix most of the noise, but old Fords are notorious for a little whine, and you'll likely have to replace your entire hydraulic steering system and use synthetic fluids to complete eliminate any noise.

lafd5246

If you do need to swap out the pump, I just had good luck with a Pep Boys reman for about $50. Very little noise after the swap. That sounds a lot like what mine did. Made some noise with a small leak, then one day it was screaming and gushing.

Bubba 95SN

Low fluid=noise.

jasonr

Yea, I wouldnt have been as worried if it just started making a noise, but the leak worries me. I'll probably just swap it out this weekend. Thanks.