Noisy Power steering...again

[jds535]

Hello,
I have a 98 Ranger 3.0L.
Replaced the power steering pump as a PM measure when I replaced the motor. Bad idea, the rebuilt pump I got from Napa was very loud. I followed the bleeding procedure and it quieted down to the point that it was bearable. Withing 2 weeks it was completely ridiculous again.
Pulled that off and got a rebuilt from Autozone, that was completely silent the first week. Then it starting getting louder and louder. Now after 6 weeks or so, it is completly ridiculous again. Fluid level has not gone down at all after 6 weeks. There are no discernable leaks.
Before going thru all of this, I replaced the belt tensioner, the idler pulley and the belt.
I have tried ATF in the first pump, and Powersteering fluid in the 2nd pump. It feels like I have replaced almost every moving part in this truck. I am out of ideas and do not want to keep swapping parts.
Does anybody know what would make the pump get louder and louder without losing fluid?
The only other clue I can think of it that is seems noticibly louder when the weather is hot ( 80 or above ) even at first startup.
Thanks, Jeff

 

[oldfordman]

I am pretty sure- not 100%, check your manual- that you should be using Ford Mercon V fluid in the P/S for your truck. Fords can be sensitive on the fluids. Make sure you are using an approved fluid.

 

[shane96ranger]

Is there any chance your gear box has old fluid with crap in it, and that is killing the pumps? On my Mustang's pump (same pump as a Ranger with reservoir clocked in a different position) it took me a couple days to get it to shut up. I found that I had put too much fluid in it. For some reason, when I got the correct level in it is when it finally quit whining. Now it's pretty silent. I also used power steering fluid. I am pretty certain there was a piece of paper in the box that said to use power steering fluid only and I think there was one with my new rack and pinion too. I do know the owners manual in my Ranger does indeed say to use ATF though.

 

[jds535]

When I take this pump off I will look for debris in the screen.

Does anybody have a good purge procedure to empty out all of the old fluid in the system without burning up the pump? Maybe I should just pull off a line on the old pump and run it til its dry, then replace the pump??

I will try another new pump with new / clean PS fluid and see what happens.

thanks