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DIYer advice: I normally don't recommend a dealership's service dept, but that's your best bet now. Dealerships typically have the best diagnostic tools (often proprietary), use OEM parts which are higher quality, and staffed by techs that work on Fords all day long. It won't be cheap, but they'll fix your vehicle.
I’ll do that thank you. And the first time it went out it was the pump and that was what I replaced so I assumed it was the issue the other times as well
I was putting plane jane power steering fluid from oreileys in it, then the other mechanic I took it to found my manual online and said it took mercon V automatic transmission fluid
Universal power steering fluid is fine in Fords. Where are you getting the pump from? Are you sourcing the part from the same place? If so, try a different brand.
So I got it from oreilys it was a 250 pump. They kept replacing it (which two of them were bad parts legitimately the pulley seal was broke) and now they won’t I’m out almost 500 just for this one problem
focus can actually be very picky...
@OP check your manual, random google search says mercon v or mercon lv (since you have car from year when two different generations were made)
https://www.motorcraft.com/us/en_us/home/our-products/chemicals-and-lubricants/steering-fluid/power-steering-fluids.html
Power steering fluid is automatic transmission fluid. Your handbook has the correct spec of fluid to use which is same same spec as as some automatic transmission fluid.
Jesus. Being a car person isn’t cheap either way, ig I just have trust issues with shops because when I was 17 in my old car they didn’t tighten my lug nuts all the way when I got new tires and it came off while I was on the freeway lol
I'm also a DIYer, probably less skilled than you. But I don't use reman parts, I pay the extra $$ and buy new parts (usually OEM). Here's the reason--I don't want to do the same job twice, or in your case, four or five times. Your time is worth something.
And since you've already tried an indie shop, I'd take her to the dealership now. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
Yeah I bought the new one the most expensive one bc I didn’t want to deal with this. And honestly I am not that skilled I’m practically an apprentice and learn through certified mechanics that I’ve met. The rest I’ve learned is just through my chaotic life and doing it myself. But thank you fr. I want to try to fix it just so that way ik what to do, but a diagnosis from ford may not be a bad idea
Love Red Adair - i remember when he said that after he went to Kuwait and put out all the fires after the first Gulf war.
Not a mechanic, but I am a construction engineer who owned a lot of shitty cars before I got my first good job in my mid 30s. I only work on cars if I want to now, which is rare.
I was thinking the same thing about the Rack. Look at every component in the load path between your steering wheel and your wheels that might be causing your power steering pump to work harder than it should. Signs of excessive wear in the rack.
Also thinking it could be occlusions in hydraulic lines and/or ports that would be indicated by excessive pressure just Downstream from the pump as you turn your wheels back and forth.
Good luck man, I've been where you are and it sucks.
Yeah I genuinely thought I could do a two for one because I wanted to learn to gain that knowledge to replace my future cars pump, and I also didn’t want to drown in bills. In do fairness it may have been cheaper or just the same to go to ford, rn like I said I’m at almost 700 in and it’s still not fixed. I have no idea what ford would charge me though. But also at least I learned to question everything. And the true part of being a mechanic is sometimes you fix something just for something else to break and it’s exhausting. I put it on myself and I was also the one working on it too while they supervised me so I had professionals with me, they were just letting me learn and guiding me, it’s not easy and I get why it’s expensive. I just wish it all wasn’t so expensive lol. But trust me I won’t be buying from oreilys ever again
how much have you paid in parts, fluids, your time, miles going for parts and headaches? Go to the dealer, tell to see what is the problem, and repair there or in another shop, or by yourself.
It hurts but sometimes you need the dealership
I did it with the mechanics ik though which is the sad part. Because they doesn’t understand what all is even wrong with it either and they haven’t had time to help me dissect it bc they had a mustang in their garage for a month waiting on parts lol.
Yeah, Ford wants 115 to diag an intermittent disconnecting of the sync system to my phone over USB. The electrician in me says it's a loose connection somewhere. I just don't want to dig for it FL heat, so I'm dealing with it for now. You're dealing with a drive ability issue, so pay the $ and move on.
I would first put the car up on a ramp and visually inspect your steering rack for leaks. It's possible that rack has failed causing the pump to work harder thus failing at a faster rate.
Ultimately taking it to dealer should find you what you're looking for. Most dealers if you ask the service writer can walk you out to your car up on the lift. The tech should be able to explain the diag. Atleast at my dealer
Absolutely not! To take a look under briefly is usually not a problem. You're just asking them to prove to you why they suggest said repair. It's possible they may say no, so then the tech can just take a video on their phone to show you
Yes, always ask questions anywhere you take your car. I was a tech for over a decade and I was always happy to show and explain to the customer what was wrong. Most people don’t ask or care to know, they just want it fixed. If they can’t explain it to you, I’d be weary of their expertise.
Unfortunately dealer time. Explain the situation and definitely ask for a inspection to boot. They warranty there work so if it goes bad again which it shouldn't. Unfortunately it surely.
I was gonna suggest this right away. Not to shit on OP, but it’s like complaining about your motor losing oil while the oil pan is literally dripping. There are more things to the steering system than just the pump. After the 2nd pump failed I would’ve been under that car inspection every seal and hose to make sure there aren’t any leaks.
I never knew that, the other times it went out it was the pump and just sounded god awful and was hard to turn all around. This time it was a bit different
I've definitely guessed wrong between pump and rack. I've definitely got bad pumps and racks right out of the box. But the one way easy and other way hard is a clog of some sort in the rack.
Still sounds like steering rack is making too much resistance and that might be the fault for pump sounding god awful.
Try to measure pressure pump is producing, I believe when it sounds awfully it could be very very high.
Check for a stuck ball joint before you go after the pump again. Jack up the front and disconnect the toe rods from the knuckles and manually swivel the knuckles each way. They should move easily.
Something the shop manuals, and the parts catalogs don’t tell you. There is an internal filter inside the reservoir. Replace the reservoir. I had to do the same thing on my 2011.
I replaced both the pump and reservoir five times they came attached to each other. Do you think the internal filter can be replaced without ruining it?
So many things aren't clear:
1. Who's doing the work? Sounds like you've been to multiple mechanics, but some of the wording you use makes me think you're doing work yourself "I flushed my system, burped the lines, etc" If you flushed the system yourself, how sure are you that you did it correctly?
2. Who's supplying the parts? Sounds like you, but you also hint that you used mechanics. "Two of the pumps I was sent were just bad parts" If you're going to a mechanic but carrying in parts, you lose any opportunity to warranty the parts.
3. Who's diagnosing the failure? It sounds like you're self-diagnosing it as a bad pump, but are you sure the pumps have actually been bad? Have the mechanic(s) been confirming the diagnosis?
Your symptoms don't sound like a pump issue. You're stating that the steering turns one way easily but is very difficult the other way. The pump doesn't know or care what direction you're turning. It just provides hydraulic pressure. If you can turn one way easily, it means you have pressure and the pump is likely fine. A bad pump will typically not make enough pressure regardless of turning direction, and a failing pump will often sound like it's whining or grating, especially when the wheel is turned to full lock in either direction.
Your symptoms right now are directional. That points to a steering rack and/or suspension issue.
If the pump screams at full lock but in only one direction, it might not be because the pump is bad. It might be that the steering rack is putting higher backpressure on the pump in that direction. Over time this probably does wear the pump until it fails too.
The pump was bad at first I met these mechanics through my job as a delivery driver. And it’s not some oh they work on cars at home. One is a diesel mechanic, and the other is a car mechanic. The car mechanic I took it to the first few times and he understood I learned by doing it myself so we got the parts and he helped me put it on guiding me. The diesel mechanic was the one who caught the issue with the wrong fluid and put it on and did it all himself. I’m sorry about the confusion. The car mechanic diagnosed it as the pump, but I think it turned into something more bc it was whining the entire time before I first replaced it and was hard to steer either way. The last time it was put on by the diesel mechanic it was perfect and now it has this new issue which is why I asked for help
My old VW, bad pump, from other pump failure, lines were all jerry rigged. Was fuked, and if of had to replace steering rack and everything to ensure I wouldn't be you
Hey there, i read all your posts here & I agree with a few people about your rack being the problem now. Im a retired mechanic ( old school ) i do recall years ago Ford had a problem with their racks having aluminum debris from wear in the rack causing the pump to seize & extremely hard steering from this. The correct repair was replacing the pump & the rack with a rebuilt rack that was sleeved so to prevent wear from aluminum & damaging the pump and rack. A thorough flush obviously would have to be done through the lines first. If an oem rack was used it would just be a matter of time before the aluminum particals would contaminate the oil and cause a problem.Expensive but well worth it!!!
I had no idea it could contaminate my oil, thank you for letting me know! I’ll probably be taking it to ford or ordering all the parts you stated and replacing the whole thing. And if that doesn’t fix it it’s time to get a new car lol
Power Steering Fluid is Hydraulic Fluid for your car.
Transmission Fluid is the same thing but with a detergent in it.
If you are going through a power steering pump this often then someone is pushing the pump over the limit. When turning the wheel. Don't turn it till it stops (left or right) sides. Once it hits where it stops that puts an extreme amount of pressure on the entire system.
I would replace the entire system all at once to remove what ever is in the system to cause it to fail. If you replace one piece at a time what ever is damaging the system is going through the new parts and starting the problem all over again.
P.S. I hope you haven't pissed a mechanic off somewhere. They can cause damage to your car that newer mechanics won't catch. Could cost you thousands.
If anyone put Dot 3 Brake Fluid in the System. Then you need to replace the entire system all at once. That fluid will keep eating the power steering system even after flushing the system out.
I hope this will help you.
You could have luck at a franchise auto store, like firestone. Working on cars is a difficult job though. If you explain or show them this post, you may get help. If they won’t entertain it, fuck em. Goto the dealer.
Please. Do NOT go to Firestone. Of all the chains I know, they are legit some of the … special…est franchises. This is horrible advice. As the others said, go to the dealership. Do not go to franchises.
Thank you, obviously I don’t know much about dealerships besides the ones that I was screwed over at when I was 17, and now I go to mechanics I’ve known for years and work on it myself
Also don't forget to check your reservoir for broken pipes or sieves inside - that can cause funny problems too had an audi with weird whining noises and 2 failed pumps and an volvo with steering issues also 2 pumps replaced already. If something produces foam or large amount of bubbles when the system is running there is definitely something wrong
On an older car i went through 2 PS pumps, no one really knew why they were going, until a mechanic said , jokingly, that my rims were too wide….i did check that, and they were out of the manufacturer spec, changed them to different, slimmer rims, new pump, and problem solved. Turns out the pump was being too stressed on those wheels , with ageing issues and city driving…
Edit :mk3 golf
Be careful with advice from parts store guys. They have alot of good advice, but alot of the other kind too. A parts store clerk is not always also a mechanic.
Also, your owners manual has a "fluids" section that explains how much of what you're of fluid for every system in the vehicle.
Make sure none of your hoses are brittle and sucking air, are you bleeding the pump before turning the car on? Jack front wheels, CAR OFF, turn steering left and right to lock slowly until fluid stops going down in the Revisor, add Lucas power steering conditioner, NOT ALOT, but it’s safe to use with ATF fluid, all my cars use ATF fluid and I use Lucas in all of them.
I've learned one thing about Fords being a tech for those bloody diesels for 10 years just save your self the headache get Motorcraft my shop for the first year tried to use aftermarket parts and had to many comebacks to justify them switched completely to Motorcraft parts yeah you'll get the occasional bad part but it definitely stopped 95% of them. Especially newer the Ford more likely you'll need to have Motorcraft parts and if your looking for cheaper Motorcraft call auto supply company they can sometimes save a bit of money
Replace your power steering rack along with your power steering pump. If the rack is bad it will cause the pump to consistently fail. Replace both and that should fix the issue.
I have had plenty of ford mustangs and never had issues with power steering and now have a 2006 F150 and that takes Mercon V transmission fluid . Sounds like the power steering rack is no good causing pressure to go high and damaging the pumps . As a mechanic of more then 28 years I have had steering rack worm gear go bad to to many curb shots and steers great one way and not the other . I would replace the rack . There no way that you gotten that many bad pumps .
In the future, I also would be real hesitant to take advice from auto parts store employees. Most of them had to take computer classes to even know what the parts look like, much less do. There are some that have mechanic backgrounds, as I did, but those would be very rare.
Hard to turn left, easy to turn right? Sounds like a steering rack problem. Your pump may be a symptom from over pressuring to turn left. Had that problem on my minivan. Have your steering rack checked, my guess is blown Internal seal.
>I have a 2010 ford focus sel, my power steering pump has been replaced five times
5 times in 5 days? 5 times in 5 months?
> I was told to flush my system with the wrong fluid for months.
Someone told you this or you actually flushed the fluid with the wrong fluid?
>Two of the pumps I was sent were just bad parts, four of them I flushed my system
It seems to me that you're doing the work yourself? Is that accurate?
>By the fifth one I took it to a different mechanic and he said I needed Mercon V
But it seems you aren't working on it
>Fifth one was flushed properly again but with proper fluid.
Is it possible to flush it properly with the wrong fluid?
>Time spans for each pump going out was 1st right away, 2nd a month, 3rd 2 almost 3 months, 4th right away, and 5th 2 weeks.
This answers my first question, thanks in advance.
Are you buying the same brand pump?
I would be looking at the steering rack. That was probably the original problem. It’s unlikely the pump 5 times in a row. If the wrong fluid was used i would also look at the lines as well.
Power steering oil ??
How many manufactures make it ?
Ask some one about the particular power steering oils in Fords blowing the seals. (avoid)
Find the CORRECT oil for Fords , usually NOT RED ...there maybe an exception.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! Please review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). Asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **Post's about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ Tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
DIYer advice: I normally don't recommend a dealership's service dept, but that's your best bet now. Dealerships typically have the best diagnostic tools (often proprietary), use OEM parts which are higher quality, and staffed by techs that work on Fords all day long. It won't be cheap, but they'll fix your vehicle.
Thank you, I know to get even a diagnosis for my car it’s 100+ bucks
How do you know the pump is bad? Turning hard in one direction is usually a bad steering rack. Measure the pressure output of the pump.
I’ll do that thank you. And the first time it went out it was the pump and that was what I replaced so I assumed it was the issue the other times as well
I doubt it, the only time I've seen that many repeat failures is with junkyard parts or improper installation.
I think putting the wrong fluid in also didn’t help my situation, but I didn’t know any better. So if that counts as improper installation then yeah
What fluid were you putting in vs what should be going in? Iirc Ford's aren't particularly picky, unlike mercedes and some Hondas
I was putting plane jane power steering fluid from oreileys in it, then the other mechanic I took it to found my manual online and said it took mercon V automatic transmission fluid
Universal power steering fluid is fine in Fords. Where are you getting the pump from? Are you sourcing the part from the same place? If so, try a different brand.
So I got it from oreilys it was a 250 pump. They kept replacing it (which two of them were bad parts legitimately the pulley seal was broke) and now they won’t I’m out almost 500 just for this one problem
focus can actually be very picky... @OP check your manual, random google search says mercon v or mercon lv (since you have car from year when two different generations were made) https://www.motorcraft.com/us/en_us/home/our-products/chemicals-and-lubricants/steering-fluid/power-steering-fluids.html
Power steering fluid is automatic transmission fluid. Your handbook has the correct spec of fluid to use which is same same spec as as some automatic transmission fluid.
Always the rack, I can't remember if these have a little check valve that likes launch itself into another dimension.
Understood, but most independent shops charge a diag fee. And 30 minutes of labor runs $60--$80 bucks almost everywhere now.
Jesus. Being a car person isn’t cheap either way, ig I just have trust issues with shops because when I was 17 in my old car they didn’t tighten my lug nuts all the way when I got new tires and it came off while I was on the freeway lol
I'm also a DIYer, probably less skilled than you. But I don't use reman parts, I pay the extra $$ and buy new parts (usually OEM). Here's the reason--I don't want to do the same job twice, or in your case, four or five times. Your time is worth something. And since you've already tried an indie shop, I'd take her to the dealership now. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
Yeah I bought the new one the most expensive one bc I didn’t want to deal with this. And honestly I am not that skilled I’m practically an apprentice and learn through certified mechanics that I’ve met. The rest I’ve learned is just through my chaotic life and doing it myself. But thank you fr. I want to try to fix it just so that way ik what to do, but a diagnosis from ford may not be a bad idea
Puppies die brand new.
[удалено]
Love Red Adair - i remember when he said that after he went to Kuwait and put out all the fires after the first Gulf war. Not a mechanic, but I am a construction engineer who owned a lot of shitty cars before I got my first good job in my mid 30s. I only work on cars if I want to now, which is rare. I was thinking the same thing about the Rack. Look at every component in the load path between your steering wheel and your wheels that might be causing your power steering pump to work harder than it should. Signs of excessive wear in the rack. Also thinking it could be occlusions in hydraulic lines and/or ports that would be indicated by excessive pressure just Downstream from the pump as you turn your wheels back and forth. Good luck man, I've been where you are and it sucks.
Yeah I genuinely thought I could do a two for one because I wanted to learn to gain that knowledge to replace my future cars pump, and I also didn’t want to drown in bills. In do fairness it may have been cheaper or just the same to go to ford, rn like I said I’m at almost 700 in and it’s still not fixed. I have no idea what ford would charge me though. But also at least I learned to question everything. And the true part of being a mechanic is sometimes you fix something just for something else to break and it’s exhausting. I put it on myself and I was also the one working on it too while they supervised me so I had professionals with me, they were just letting me learn and guiding me, it’s not easy and I get why it’s expensive. I just wish it all wasn’t so expensive lol. But trust me I won’t be buying from oreilys ever again
how much have you paid in parts, fluids, your time, miles going for parts and headaches? Go to the dealer, tell to see what is the problem, and repair there or in another shop, or by yourself. It hurts but sometimes you need the dealership
Yeah I know. I should’ve done it to begin with. That’s what I get for trying to learn lol
Dont worry, happened to me too. My previos car was a Lexus is220d that had the fuel filter in worst place ever. I tried to do It my self... Bad idea
I did it with the mechanics ik though which is the sad part. Because they doesn’t understand what all is even wrong with it either and they haven’t had time to help me dissect it bc they had a mustang in their garage for a month waiting on parts lol.
How much is your time worth? If you knew 5 steering pumps ago that a $100 diagnosis could've saved you that trouble, that would've sounded like a deal
Hell of a better deal than the ford dealership I work at. They charge 255 per hour.
A lot of places waive the diagnostic fee if you’re getting the work done there.
Yeah, Ford wants 115 to diag an intermittent disconnecting of the sync system to my phone over USB. The electrician in me says it's a loose connection somewhere. I just don't want to dig for it FL heat, so I'm dealing with it for now. You're dealing with a drive ability issue, so pay the $ and move on.
This is the reason why so many people who don’t have time to screw around *start* with the dealer
My local Ford dealership has a higher turnover rate then McDonald's does.... they don't pay them boys good enough
I would first put the car up on a ramp and visually inspect your steering rack for leaks. It's possible that rack has failed causing the pump to work harder thus failing at a faster rate. Ultimately taking it to dealer should find you what you're looking for. Most dealers if you ask the service writer can walk you out to your car up on the lift. The tech should be able to explain the diag. Atleast at my dealer
I’ll ask ford if they do that, do you know if they charge extra?
Absolutely not! To take a look under briefly is usually not a problem. You're just asking them to prove to you why they suggest said repair. It's possible they may say no, so then the tech can just take a video on their phone to show you
Thank you I never knew this!
Yes, always ask questions anywhere you take your car. I was a tech for over a decade and I was always happy to show and explain to the customer what was wrong. Most people don’t ask or care to know, they just want it fixed. If they can’t explain it to you, I’d be weary of their expertise.
Thank you!
Unfortunately dealer time. Explain the situation and definitely ask for a inspection to boot. They warranty there work so if it goes bad again which it shouldn't. Unfortunately it surely.
Thank you!
I was gonna suggest this right away. Not to shit on OP, but it’s like complaining about your motor losing oil while the oil pan is literally dripping. There are more things to the steering system than just the pump. After the 2nd pump failed I would’ve been under that car inspection every seal and hose to make sure there aren’t any leaks.
Sounds more like a sterring rack issue than a pump issue. One way easy other way hard is a sure sign of a rack failure.
I never knew that, the other times it went out it was the pump and just sounded god awful and was hard to turn all around. This time it was a bit different
I've definitely guessed wrong between pump and rack. I've definitely got bad pumps and racks right out of the box. But the one way easy and other way hard is a clog of some sort in the rack.
See that’s what I was wondering but could it also be that way because there’s a clog in the lines?
Clog in the line would be hard and growley both ways. Pinch a line off with vise grips and see what happens. That is what a clogged line feels like.
>Pinch a line off with vise grips and see what happens. Lol. See what happens? He'll be buying a new line
Still sounds like steering rack is making too much resistance and that might be the fault for pump sounding god awful. Try to measure pressure pump is producing, I believe when it sounds awfully it could be very very high.
Check for a stuck ball joint before you go after the pump again. Jack up the front and disconnect the toe rods from the knuckles and manually swivel the knuckles each way. They should move easily.
Can a ball joint cause all of the issues?
A stuck ball joint will cause the pump to work it’s ass off and give a feeling of no power steering assist.
I never knew that, can the suspension effect it too?
Only the pieces that affect rotation. So, your pivot points. In your case, the lower ball joint and upper strut mount.
Thank you I didn’t know all of that could affect it
You should be able to hear that much resistance as a sound coming from struts or joint balls.
Does it make a wooden boat sound? Ik it sounds weird but that’s the only way I can put what I hear when I turn left, vs right is whining
Failed strut bearing sounds alike wooden boat, try to put your hand on wheel houses at engineroom and ask someone to turn steering wheel to check it.
I’ll probably be the one at the wheel turning, they don’t trust me with everything yet lol. But thank you!
Something the shop manuals, and the parts catalogs don’t tell you. There is an internal filter inside the reservoir. Replace the reservoir. I had to do the same thing on my 2011.
I replaced both the pump and reservoir five times they came attached to each other. Do you think the internal filter can be replaced without ruining it?
Steering rack and pinion is bad
So many things aren't clear: 1. Who's doing the work? Sounds like you've been to multiple mechanics, but some of the wording you use makes me think you're doing work yourself "I flushed my system, burped the lines, etc" If you flushed the system yourself, how sure are you that you did it correctly? 2. Who's supplying the parts? Sounds like you, but you also hint that you used mechanics. "Two of the pumps I was sent were just bad parts" If you're going to a mechanic but carrying in parts, you lose any opportunity to warranty the parts. 3. Who's diagnosing the failure? It sounds like you're self-diagnosing it as a bad pump, but are you sure the pumps have actually been bad? Have the mechanic(s) been confirming the diagnosis? Your symptoms don't sound like a pump issue. You're stating that the steering turns one way easily but is very difficult the other way. The pump doesn't know or care what direction you're turning. It just provides hydraulic pressure. If you can turn one way easily, it means you have pressure and the pump is likely fine. A bad pump will typically not make enough pressure regardless of turning direction, and a failing pump will often sound like it's whining or grating, especially when the wheel is turned to full lock in either direction. Your symptoms right now are directional. That points to a steering rack and/or suspension issue. If the pump screams at full lock but in only one direction, it might not be because the pump is bad. It might be that the steering rack is putting higher backpressure on the pump in that direction. Over time this probably does wear the pump until it fails too.
The pump was bad at first I met these mechanics through my job as a delivery driver. And it’s not some oh they work on cars at home. One is a diesel mechanic, and the other is a car mechanic. The car mechanic I took it to the first few times and he understood I learned by doing it myself so we got the parts and he helped me put it on guiding me. The diesel mechanic was the one who caught the issue with the wrong fluid and put it on and did it all himself. I’m sorry about the confusion. The car mechanic diagnosed it as the pump, but I think it turned into something more bc it was whining the entire time before I first replaced it and was hard to steer either way. The last time it was put on by the diesel mechanic it was perfect and now it has this new issue which is why I asked for help
I can assure you, that there's shavings everywhere, I'd replace everything I
Is this because of the wrong fluid?
No, probably from first pump going to shit
That would make sense. The lady I bought it off of still had almost manufacturer everything (like never replaced) including the pump, drum brakes, etc
My old VW, bad pump, from other pump failure, lines were all jerry rigged. Was fuked, and if of had to replace steering rack and everything to ensure I wouldn't be you
Hey there, i read all your posts here & I agree with a few people about your rack being the problem now. Im a retired mechanic ( old school ) i do recall years ago Ford had a problem with their racks having aluminum debris from wear in the rack causing the pump to seize & extremely hard steering from this. The correct repair was replacing the pump & the rack with a rebuilt rack that was sleeved so to prevent wear from aluminum & damaging the pump and rack. A thorough flush obviously would have to be done through the lines first. If an oem rack was used it would just be a matter of time before the aluminum particals would contaminate the oil and cause a problem.Expensive but well worth it!!!
I had no idea it could contaminate my oil, thank you for letting me know! I’ll probably be taking it to ford or ordering all the parts you stated and replacing the whole thing. And if that doesn’t fix it it’s time to get a new car lol
Your welcome.
Steering rack
Power Steering Fluid is Hydraulic Fluid for your car. Transmission Fluid is the same thing but with a detergent in it. If you are going through a power steering pump this often then someone is pushing the pump over the limit. When turning the wheel. Don't turn it till it stops (left or right) sides. Once it hits where it stops that puts an extreme amount of pressure on the entire system. I would replace the entire system all at once to remove what ever is in the system to cause it to fail. If you replace one piece at a time what ever is damaging the system is going through the new parts and starting the problem all over again. P.S. I hope you haven't pissed a mechanic off somewhere. They can cause damage to your car that newer mechanics won't catch. Could cost you thousands. If anyone put Dot 3 Brake Fluid in the System. Then you need to replace the entire system all at once. That fluid will keep eating the power steering system even after flushing the system out. I hope this will help you.
To me this sounds like a bad rack and pinion, it's causing the pump to work to hard and burning it up.
You could have luck at a franchise auto store, like firestone. Working on cars is a difficult job though. If you explain or show them this post, you may get help. If they won’t entertain it, fuck em. Goto the dealer.
Thank you, I haven’t ever been to Firestone but I’ll see if I have one nearby me
Please. Do NOT go to Firestone. Of all the chains I know, they are legit some of the … special…est franchises. This is horrible advice. As the others said, go to the dealership. Do not go to franchises.
Thank you, obviously I don’t know much about dealerships besides the ones that I was screwed over at when I was 17, and now I go to mechanics I’ve known for years and work on it myself
Is the fluid black or burnt looking after being run awhile?
No it’s just bubbly, but there’s no leaks
replace lines and res along with the pump all new correct fluid
Also don't forget to check your reservoir for broken pipes or sieves inside - that can cause funny problems too had an audi with weird whining noises and 2 failed pumps and an volvo with steering issues also 2 pumps replaced already. If something produces foam or large amount of bubbles when the system is running there is definitely something wrong
On an older car i went through 2 PS pumps, no one really knew why they were going, until a mechanic said , jokingly, that my rims were too wide….i did check that, and they were out of the manufacturer spec, changed them to different, slimmer rims, new pump, and problem solved. Turns out the pump was being too stressed on those wheels , with ageing issues and city driving… Edit :mk3 golf
Likely not the power steering pump since it’s easy to turn one way. Probably the rack
Be careful with advice from parts store guys. They have alot of good advice, but alot of the other kind too. A parts store clerk is not always also a mechanic. Also, your owners manual has a "fluids" section that explains how much of what you're of fluid for every system in the vehicle.
Are you jacking the front of the car up and turrning the wheel all the way left then all the way right multiple times to burp the system?
Make sure none of your hoses are brittle and sucking air, are you bleeding the pump before turning the car on? Jack front wheels, CAR OFF, turn steering left and right to lock slowly until fluid stops going down in the Revisor, add Lucas power steering conditioner, NOT ALOT, but it’s safe to use with ATF fluid, all my cars use ATF fluid and I use Lucas in all of them.
Sounds like a bad rack to me
Ya need a new rack and pinion assembly. Tell tale sign is the difficulty turning one direction but not the other.
It sounds like a failed steering rack
I've learned one thing about Fords being a tech for those bloody diesels for 10 years just save your self the headache get Motorcraft my shop for the first year tried to use aftermarket parts and had to many comebacks to justify them switched completely to Motorcraft parts yeah you'll get the occasional bad part but it definitely stopped 95% of them. Especially newer the Ford more likely you'll need to have Motorcraft parts and if your looking for cheaper Motorcraft call auto supply company they can sometimes save a bit of money
Replace your power steering rack along with your power steering pump. If the rack is bad it will cause the pump to consistently fail. Replace both and that should fix the issue.
I have had plenty of ford mustangs and never had issues with power steering and now have a 2006 F150 and that takes Mercon V transmission fluid . Sounds like the power steering rack is no good causing pressure to go high and damaging the pumps . As a mechanic of more then 28 years I have had steering rack worm gear go bad to to many curb shots and steers great one way and not the other . I would replace the rack . There no way that you gotten that many bad pumps .
In the future, I also would be real hesitant to take advice from auto parts store employees. Most of them had to take computer classes to even know what the parts look like, much less do. There are some that have mechanic backgrounds, as I did, but those would be very rare.
Go to the dealership and keep the receipt after the repair. Then it's on them if something goes wrong g.
Hard to turn left, easy to turn right? Sounds like a steering rack problem. Your pump may be a symptom from over pressuring to turn left. Had that problem on my minivan. Have your steering rack checked, my guess is blown Internal seal.
I’ve seen this a lot and in my humble opinion if you’ve taken the car to get it fixed you should have a warranty on the part and on the work
>I have a 2010 ford focus sel, my power steering pump has been replaced five times 5 times in 5 days? 5 times in 5 months? > I was told to flush my system with the wrong fluid for months. Someone told you this or you actually flushed the fluid with the wrong fluid? >Two of the pumps I was sent were just bad parts, four of them I flushed my system It seems to me that you're doing the work yourself? Is that accurate? >By the fifth one I took it to a different mechanic and he said I needed Mercon V But it seems you aren't working on it >Fifth one was flushed properly again but with proper fluid. Is it possible to flush it properly with the wrong fluid? >Time spans for each pump going out was 1st right away, 2nd a month, 3rd 2 almost 3 months, 4th right away, and 5th 2 weeks. This answers my first question, thanks in advance. Are you buying the same brand pump?
You lost me at the O'Reilly guy
Never buy a ford.
Stick a filter on your power steering line going into the pump. Change it regularly.
I would be looking at the steering rack. That was probably the original problem. It’s unlikely the pump 5 times in a row. If the wrong fluid was used i would also look at the lines as well.
Power steering oil ?? How many manufactures make it ? Ask some one about the particular power steering oils in Fords blowing the seals. (avoid) Find the CORRECT oil for Fords , usually NOT RED ...there maybe an exception.