So pretty sure the pump is shot… it jitters and hollers when turning the wheel. I had a fairly bad leak when the car was running before. The drivers side boot is clearly torn and not retracting what should be inspected and or replaced? Is there a common problem I could check on? Should I get a friend to turn the wheel while I’m under the car to see any visual leaks? should I replace the pump first then do that?
Sorry I have so many questions but I have a lot of free time atm so trying to get most everything done.
There is so much hydraulics and hoses going on with these power steering systems that they are very prone to leaks. Usually when a pump is groaning it’s in trouble. Sometimes it’s just low fluid or air in the system, but both of those reduce the lifespan of the pump and can ruin the pump. Dirty old fluid is also not good for new pumps. After 10 years of sitting, and of unknown age before that, if I was you I would contact Chock at http://chockostangclassicmustang.com/ and talk to him about a complete renewal. He’s getting up there now and fairly curt on email but he or his wife will talk your ear off on the phone.
If you are not trying to keep it original, I would go with the Borgeson system. You will probably have about the same amount of money invested and it will drive so much better than the stock.
The classic problem is a noisy pump ruined by using the wrong power steering fluid. These pumps only like Ford Type F ATF. It says so right on the dipstick. Anything else wrecks the pump.
Agree but remember to consider other variables such as manual transmission or headers. These can increase why’s needed for the swap. Also I really think you need to run a Saginaw style pump with the borgeson for best results.
For these reasons I rebuilt the factory stuff for now. I have a manual(z-bar in the way) and future plans for headers but not sure on type. Upgrades have a way of snow balling quickly!
Also agree on the fluid. Seems to be a big misconception on what to put in it. God forbid you ask the kid behind the auto parts counter that will say just dump in P/s fluid in it. Speaking of that I had an employee do that on a newer f550 truck recently because (“it’s all the same right?!) took out the pump and hydro booster !
I sure do not know about any “cheap” Type F fluid. The problem is when folks put stuff labeled “power steering fluid” into a Ford or TRW pump on a Ford system. Another bozo no - no is using Dexron or Mercon fluid. Anything other than Type F is wrong.
I’ve always used type F in the car not sure about the quality of it tho I’ve known about the auto trans fluid in steering pumps for a while. My dad and I used to work on cars a lot when I was little and I used to work as a mechanics apprentice for a summer. I just looked into Borgeson $1k is a tad steep for some of the other things I need to get done. I just got my 100k preventative maintenance done on my Suby so I got some car bills to pay atm. I will prob just swap out the pump and see if there is a hose in particular that is leaking bad.
I watched westcoastclassiccougar’s video on checking for play in the front end. So I’ll see if I got major play in anything but there was a lot of front end work done to the car when I first got it.
Is there a valve/plug or easy way to empty the fluid out to get some clean fluid in there when I do?
I agree with the Saginaw pump! I forgot about the cost of that. Ends up being around $1000 with the pump. I still have to figure out what headers I can use as I still have the stock exhaust manifolds.
I’ve known about the auto trans fluid in steering pumps for a while. My dad and I used to work on cars a lot when I was little and I used to work as a mechanics apprentice for a summer. I just looked into Borgeson $1k is a tad steep for some of the other things I need to get done. I just got my 100k preventative maintenance done on my Suby so I got some car bills to pay atm. I will prob just swap out the pump and see if there is a hose in particular that is leaking bad.