Re: 95 ford taurus---power steering pump

Jul 25, 2006 2 Replies



>I recently purchased a 95 ford taurus and as I was checking the fluids,
>the power steering fluid looks like muddy water. Isnt it supposed to be
>a milky beige color? what would cause this and how would I drain it out?

It should be clear or reddish depending on the fluid that is used. Brownish is generally just old and needs to be changed. You can have it changed by your friendly neighborhood mechanic or do it yourself... I just pull the return hose and extend it to a bucket then run clean fluid through the pump until it comes out clean on the other end. This may not be practical on your car due to space restrictions.


also when you pull the steering wheel all the way over, there is a
>whining sound. Is this because of the fluid or is does the steering
>pump need to be replaced?

If you are locking the wheel against the stop it is going to make more noise than normal. When you are against the stop and continue to try to turn the wheel the hydraulic pressure will rise until the internal safety bypasses the fluid back to the reservoir. Avoid holding the wheel against the stops.


Steve B.


Sure is. I didn't remember that correctly.

Its not hard at all. That's why another poster suggested it.

The fluid is easy and very inexpensive to change and obviously deteriorated for whatever reason. The pump is NOT easy or inexpensive to change and, given the track record of Ford power steering systems, a "rebuilt" one would likely be louder! In essence a DIY fluid change could be cost/time effective, power steering pump replacement much less so.

Its rare that a Ford comes in to our shop that does NOT have noisy power steering. If you hold the steering wheel on the lock the system is very severely stressed and noise is common.

He asked how to drain the fluid so perhaps he has the time.

Peace Don

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Agreed

Kevin

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