Cure for the noisy pump?

Photonfanatic · Oct 28, 2012

My 94 GT, like a great many 90's Fords, has a noisy power steering pump. While I wouldn't go so far as to classify it as "loud", you can definitely hear it. More than you should. Now the motor does have 170K on it. Don't know if that's the original pump but its something to consider. However, given Fords.... bad luck with noisy power steering pumps, I would be hesitant to put another one on there in an effort to cure it. Because I might end up with just another - noisy power steering pump.

So what could I do to make that thing be quiet? Its kind of embarrassing to have this nice looking car that has a noisy pump. I've changed pretty much all the fluid out with new, non-synthetic fluid. Had to change the power steering rack cause it was leaking, and also drained the pump so as to get all that old fluid out of there. I tried synthetic fluid before doing all that though, and boy was that ever a mistake. The pump got so loud that I thought I'd just killed it. So using synthetic fluid as a solution to the noise is out. What else could I do? Are those noise cancelling hood mats worth a damn?

Slykin · Oct 28, 2012

Well, i'm not sure if it means anything.. but i've heard you should only put type F transmission fluid in them. I ignored this and put mercon V in mine and it's gotten kinda loud.

chris91 · Oct 28, 2012

Ford sells a little bottle of oil that quiets them down. I used it on my old vert and it worked like a charm.

Photonfanatic · Oct 28, 2012

Slykin said:
Well, i'm not sure if it means anything.. but i've heard you should only put type F transmission fluid in them. I ignored this and put mercon V in mine and it's gotten kinda loud.

I've heard that somewhere too. Been a long time ago though. And if you notice, a lot of those old tranny fluids are disappearing. Being phased out. Not sure if Type F is one of them but I'm sure its on the list. Some of them you just can't get anymore, you get "Includes transmissions which need type F". Some of them are becoming like one size fits all transmission fluids. Unless you go to the dealership and buy it.

chris91 said:
Ford sells a little bottle of oil that quiets them down. I used it on my old vert and it worked like a charm.

Due to the nature of the people who work at the ford house, I'm afraid I'm going to need more than that. Any idea the part number or the name of the stuff?

ttocs · Oct 28, 2012

get a louder exhaust. Money better spent to make it sound and perform better and hides all the stuff you don't want to hear.

Photonfanatic · Oct 28, 2012

Naw my loud exhaust days are over. These days I enjoy quiet.

Tony · Oct 28, 2012

chris91 said:
Ford sells a little bottle of oil that quiets them down. I used it on my old vert and it worked like a charm.

hmmm, didnt know that.

Photonfanatic · Oct 28, 2012

Anybody know exactly what it is? I searched around but can't come up with anything. Its probly some obscure part number that isn't made anymore.

chris91 · Oct 28, 2012

I tried finding the bottle but couldn't. My buddy that's a tech for Ford brought it to me. I'll ask him tomorrow. You could always call the parts counter and ask if they still carry the power steering fluid additive. It came in a small white bottle.

Photonfanatic · Oct 29, 2012

I called the local ford house and as I predicted, they had no idea what I was talking about. Maybe you guys have competent employees working at your local ford houses, but I've never seen any. If they can't find it in 4 seconds in their computer it doesn't exist or they just can't help me. Unfortunately.

Photonfanatic · Oct 31, 2012

Also I heard someone say it could just be air in the system. How do you get the air out? I think they're self bleeding systems, can't remember.

chrisv_10 · Oct 31, 2012

Try this

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BigBore96 · Oct 31, 2012

To remove air, turn the wheels lock to lock over and over. Sorry can't help with the fluid.

Photonfanatic · Nov 2, 2012

So these pumps actually only take what... Mercon 5? In the 94 models. Probly the same 94-04 though. That could be part of my problem. I'm running orielly brand power steering fluid in there. I can swap it though.

Slykin · Nov 2, 2012

Run Type F ATF, not mercon V.

Photonfanatic · Nov 3, 2012

I'll report back once I get it swapped to type F. Gonna be a while though, cause I'm going to have to pump the old stuff out of the power steering pump a few times. Over time. So that it finally dilutes down to being mostly Type F tranny fluid. Unless you guys know a better means of draining all the fluid?