Replacing belts & steering pump... Anything else while I'm in there?

[88B2EB]

Hey guys. I've got the old belts and leaky power steering pump out to be replaced. Is there anything else I should look at or replace while everything's apart?

 

[brinker88]

Check your steering gear box for leaks. They're prone to leak before the pump ever does. Also check your idler/tension pulley's for play.

 

[jhammel85]

While those belts are off, Spin the water pump, alternator and power steering pump by hand and take note of any weird vibrations or sounds. If that power steering pump itself is leaking from behind the pulley, I wouldn't be surprised if you felt or heard some bearing noise from the inside.

If your steering box is leaking, Check the fittings. If it's the Pitman arm seals, Hopefully you can get away with replacing the seal...Unless the shaft is grooved.

 

[88B2EB]

The pulleys I've checked. The power steering pump had been leaking at the low pressure line fitting. I may have been able to get away with just replacing that line but I've got a spare pump with less miles so thought I might as well replace it.

I'll check the gearbox fittings and pitman arm seals. Everythings pretty well caked with grime from the hose leak. A better approach might have been: Clean all steering components, drive a little ways, check for leaks, then tear down.

Also, the steering whines a little when the wheel is fully turned. Is that normal or is there a common culprit?

Thanks for the helpful advice guys.

 

[jhammel85]

Somewhat normal...At least it is to me. Mine quieted down a lot when I put Mercon ATF in mine. Apparently Fords use it in their PS systems. It was news to me when my friend got a Ranger and when I got mine.