2002 Power Steering - Identify noise symptom | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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2002 Power Steering - Identify noise symptom

kerrigan

kerrigan

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Thunderbird Year
2002
Howdy folks,

This noise began suddenly on our 2002 and the steering failed.
  1. The power steering sensor switch was actually leaking. Today I replaced it.

  2. After replacing the switch and the fluid, there is no leak, but the noise remains.

  3. I have not yet tried actually steering (let alone moving the vehicle), following the replacement of the power steering sensor switch.


    The noise is shown in this video. Can anybody help identify if that's a more major issue, please?


    Sincerely,
    Kerrigan

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That could be air trapped in the system, make sure the fluid level is correct let it idle for a little bit then drive it around for a little while, assuming it was not making this noise before it broke down.
 
A whine heard from the power steering pump can be caused by air in the system. A power steering purge procedure must be carried out for power steering noise complaints that are accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid. When I purge the air from the power steering system I use a vacuum pump and a special stopper so the air will not be reintroduced back into the system.

Special Tools.jpg

Here is the procedure that I use:

1. Remove the power steering pump reservoir cap and check the fluid level.
2. Raise the front wheels off the floor.
3. Tightly insert the stopper of the vacuum pump into the reservoir.
4. Start the engine.
5. Install the vacuum pump and maintain maximum vacuum of 20 to 25”.
6. Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than 3 to 5 seconds at a time or damage to the power steering pump can occur.
7. Cycle the steering wheel fully from stop to stop 10 times.
8. Stop the engine.
9. Release the vacuum and remove the vacuum pump.
10. Fill the reservoir with approved transmission fluid.

Repeat the procedure if the noise is still present.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
OK - Understood!

• Since we mention ‘transmission’ fluid, I want to be sure I’m clear - Am I to use an ATF in the power steering reservoir?

I know the hydraulic pump reservoir wants some type of Mercon.
But I thought the power steering reservoir would just be a standard fluid?

Sincerely,
Kerrigan
 
I assume you mean you replaced the pressure sensor. I just performed this repair in November. I bled the system by rotating the steering wheel lock to lock (full left to full right) about 15-20 times with front tires lifted off the ground. There is also a TSB about power steering pump noise and an approved friction additive. I purchased it but forgot to add it during the fluid swap and so far no noise. Also, make sure you used the appropriate fluid.
 
Thanks everyone, really helpful so far!

• Does anybody know how I will be able to tell if the power steering pump has really failed? Like, needing-a-swap failed?
 
This issue is resolved!! ?
Here is what we did:

• Replace power steering fluid sensor
- Since I have no lift, jacked vehicle and used a combination of adapters (including right-angles) to sneak the socket up around the sensor, then connected drill to loosen it, then the reverse process to install the new sensor (with a torque wrench at the final step, which had a rotating adapter).

• Add power steering fluid MERCON V
TO power steering AND hydraulic fan reservoir(s)

- Followed instruction provided by people in this thread (Thank You!) and results were as follows.

1.) On the first test, the appalling noise seen in my video from the pump, did not go away but would get more quiet once the engine warmed up.

I also noticed that after the first test, the fluid went down a lot, but I did not see any leaks.

Next, I replaced the hydraulic pump fluid altogether.

2.) On this test, the pump went all quiet, leading me to wonder if it was the hydraulic fan all along, but I’m pretty sure this was just a matter of air finally getting out.

After this test, the fluid went down a little bit again, but still did not see any leaks.

• DRIVE TEST
Interestingly, the issue is resolved and also another issue of a whining sound when turning fully left or right while accelerating is no longer present, and now seems to only happen if I try to do this immediately when starting the vehicle (which I don’t). This whining sound was happening all last year and I wonder what this was an early warning of.

Thank you everyone!!
 
conroetx said:
Ford issues a TSB about the power steering pump noise. Add 1.7 oz of Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier XL-3, It cured both our 2004 and 2005 Tbirds. TSB attached.
Click to expand...
I bought the additive per the TSB but forgot to add it when I refilled after replacing the pressure sensor. Fortunately, I've not experienced any noise with the fresh fluid. I guess I can always add later if needed.
 
Post does not meet subject criteria
All of a sudden I hear a squeaking sound when I turn my steering wheel left or right. If I’m parked and turn my wheel it’s a rubbing squeaking sound. Anyone know what this might be caused by?
 
TSB 06-5-16

03/20/06

STEERING GEAR SQUEAK WHEN TURNING THE
STEERING WHEEL DURING LOW-SPEED PARKING
MANEUVERS

FORD:
2003-2005 Thunderbird

LINCOLN:
2003-2005 Lincoln LS, Aviator

This article supersedes TSB 4-10-1 to update the vehicle model years.

ISSUE
Some 2003-2005 Thunderbird, Aviator, and Lincoln LS vehicles may exhibit steering gear squeak when turning the steering wheel, especially during low speed parking maneuvers. The noise may sound like it is coming from the steering column area and may be felt as a roughness in the steering wheel, while turning.

ACTION
Refer to the following Service Procedure.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE
USE ONLY THE FLUID AND ADDITIVE SPECIFIED IN THIS ARTICLE. USING ANY OTHER FLUIDS OR ADDITIVES MAY RESULT IN SEAL DETERIORATION AND LEAKS.

1. Open the hood and remove the power steering reservoir cap.

2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 100-00.

3. With engine off, drain power steering fluid by disconnecting steering lines and clamp plate from steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Removal and Installation procedure in Workshop Manual, Section 211-00, follow only the steps required to disconnect the steering lines.

4. Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock to drain fluid completely.

5. Reconnect steering lines and clamp plate to steering gear. Torque retainer to 15 N.m (11 lb-ft) for Lincoln LS and Thunderbird, torque to 25 N.m (18 lb-ft) for Aviator.

6. Lower vehicle.

7. In a clean container mix 50 ml (10 teaspoons or 1.7 oz.) of Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier, Part Number XL-3, with 50 ml of Motorcraft MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid, Part Number XT-2-QDX.

NOTE

DO NOT PERFORM STEPS 8 AND 9 ON A HOT VEHICLE.

8. Pour the above mixture into the power steering reservoir.

9. Top off (fill) the power steering system with Motorcraft MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose Automatic Transmission Fluid, Part Number XT-2-QDX and reinstall the power steering reservoir cap.

10. Raise vehicle on hoist enough so the front wheels are off the ground and can be turned from lock-to-lock.

11. Start the engine and keep it at idle. Remain inside of the vehicle.

12. Slowly cycle the steering wheel from lock-to-lock for two (2) minutes.

13. Quickly and forcefully turn the steering wheel in one direction to full lock (either side). Bounce the steering wheel on/off of full lock twenty (20) times forcefully.

NOTE

IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED QUICKLY AND FORCEFULLY IN ORDER TO CREATE A PRESSURE SPIKE IN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM.

14. Repeat Step 13 in the other direction. Return the steering wheel to on center position.

15. Slowly turn steering wheel to full lock in one direction (either direction) to achieve maximum pump pressure. Hold at full lock for one (1) second, then turn the steering wheel back 90 degrees as quickly as possible. Repeat this procedure twenty (20) times.

NOTE
DO NOT HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL AGAINST THE STOPS FOR MORE THAN THREE TO FIVE (3-5) SECONDS AT A TIME. DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY OCCUR.

16. Repeat Step 15 in the other direction.

17. Cycle the steering wheel slowly for 1 minute to confirm that the squeak is corrected and return vehicle to the customer.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
 
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