Hey all,
Just purchased a 68 xr7 302 J Code with factory PS, PB & AC last month. Car had been sitting for over 5+ years and was restored at some point. Unfortunately the owner passed so I did not get much history on the vehicle.
I’m doing some general maintenance on the vehicle and noticed power steering noise only when turning the wheel. There are no leaks, I flushed and filled the system with Type F ATF. Bled the system right after, vacuum tested and it seems to hold vacuum. No leaks coming from the control valve or the ram cylinder (Although the ram cylinder boot is torn and I’ve ordered a replacement kit for it). Functionally, the power steering seems to work without much issues, steering is not hard, but I can’t seem to get rid of the noise.
Any thoughts, ideas or advice? I’ve read contradicting reports that noise is normal, even after some replace their PS pump they still have noise. Is this true or is it time for a new pump?
Cardone and Lares make NEW pumps. Lares ads says"New Ford Power Steering Pumps are engineered to OE specifications.
Upgraded to slipper style internals for quiet operation." Don’t waste money on a rebuilt unit. I put a new Cardone on my 73 F250 and it is very quiet. Personally I would try the new Lares. You can buy the whole deal with reservoir or just the pump and reuse your reservoir. Your reservoir probably has a Ford stamp on it somewhere. Here it is at rockauto. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=7516144&cc=1132333&jsn=465.
The Cardone pumps are made in China. I won’t buy one. I get them rebuilt by Chockostang. They make zero noise. If the pump ever had the wrong fluid in it the pump would be ruined and would make noise from then until it was rebuilt properly.
Dan took 1 day to turn around my most recent pump rebuild last week. The pump arrived on a Friday and his wife called the next day to say it had shipped.
Seems like a new pump may be what you need. Just be sure your belt is tight enough and that you are not mistaking a belt/pully issue for something internal. Sounds like you are thorough enough to not miss that but just figured I’d put it out there.
I will double check the tension on the belt. There is a bit of a outward protruding lip on the pulley, probably 2mm in size, but its rotation is flat and doesn’t wobble. Doubt this would cause it. Any ideas on where to get the 7AD pulley if I need a new one? Can’t seem to find new/rebuilt ones.
As far as the pump goes, I’m torn between the NEW Lares and the REBUILT Chokostang. I’ve read high praises on both. My only hesitation with Chokostang is that it’s still the older style pump and Lares has newer “quieter” style internal components.
My Cougar blew a ps hose. After it was replaced, the pump made that same whine under load when turning wheel. I suspect it was due to internal pump wear and scoring from running dry. The Ford pumps don’t make that noise if rebuilt properly, and that is what I did. But new is probably easier and cheaper if you aren’t trying to stay original.
Thanks for the link, but this seems to be a replacement for the 7AA pulley, not the 7AD. Hopefully that lip isn’t causing an issue and won’t need to replace.