2k1 LTD - loud whining noise while steering

My wife's 2001 Windstar Ltd has just 37,000 miles and the steering has started producing very loud whining noises while steering. I obviously checked the PS fluid level, which was normal, but found a large amount of tiny bubbles in it. As suggested in similar threads on this forum, I performed the process of turning to each end a few times in order to get the air out of the system, but the whining noise just won't stop.

Since I guess the next step is to purge and replace the PS fluid in the system, I need some advise on how to approach this otherwise seemingly easy task. Do I just loosen the top reservoir and drain it while tipping it? Should I disconnect any of the 2 lines getting into it and drain them as well? The noise is so loud that it sounds as if the PS is running dry... could air be the sole culprit here?

Dealer says the pump is bad and should be replaced, something I am balking at with so little miles on it... but I had not noticed the air bubbles in the reservoir until today.

Thanks in advance for your tips and comments.

Here's a past post when I flushed mine:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=156728&highlight=power+steering+fluid

Before trying anything else ... you may want to make sure that the reservoir is very (almost "over") filled.

The pump can't just produce air bubbles ... air has to be leaking in somewhere.

Of course, the leak could happen on the pump shaft seal. In this case the pump will have to be replaced ... but its not a really tough job on your model.

But the problem is most likely air being sucked in at the reservoir ... this is where raising the fuel level may help.

Also the hose that connects the reservoir to the pump inlet needs to carefully inspected for leaks in the hose itself ... or loose hose connections.

Thanks both lewisnc100 for the very detailed and easy to follow process and 12Ounce for your tips. I didn't have a chance to give it a shot today, but will for sure try flushing the system tomorrow. As 12Ounce said, I will also check for hose leaks to make sure they are in good working condition.

I did, however, take a sample of the PS oil from the very bottom of the reservoir this evening; it is ugly to say the least. Lots of tiny bubbles in it and smells awful. It's nowhere near the ATF clear red I would have expected, more like brownish, opaque, semi-chocolate syrup comes to mind. I am obviously not an expert on the subject, but it looks as if it had been boiling for a long time. Could extreme heat (pump friction and such) be the culprit for such terrible fluid conditions? I will post my findings tomorrow night after performing both the air leak tests and/or system flush.

Thanks.

My wife's 2001 Windstar Ltd has just 37,000 miles and the steering has started producing very loud whining noises while steering.. .

Our 2001 did exactly the same thing at exactly the same mileage. Dealer did a power-steering 'flush' for free since we had just bought it used from them. It's been quiet since. (over 2yrs & 20K miles.) I did check the P-steering fluid when it was noisy and it was burnt and smelly. If you havent yet, change your ATF as that will be nasty as well.

G/luck
Joel

Has anyone tried power steering fluid outside of the recommended ATF (my 2000 3.8 calls for Mercon)?

I've changed my fluid several times - but it's still noisier than I'd like. I'm wondering if one of the power steering treatment/conditioning fluids has a history of working well in the Windstar.

I have an `01 Windstar that was experiencing a "buzzing" sound when making a left turn only. I checked the power steering fluid and it was very brown and smelled burn't. So, I did a halfassed job of removing as much of the old fluid as I could with a turkey baster (don't tell my wife) and I refilled with Valvoline Maxlife power steering fluid. I now have 186,000 miles on it and there are no noises or steering problems.

You are definately on to something there bruker. Windstars that spec mercon ATF for power steering fluid would be ideal candidates for synthetic or synthetic blend mercon/dextron ATF. Mobil-1 merc/dex ATF would probably be your best bet.

Joel