[macx]

Just installed a new PS pump on an 89 Lincoln
Mark VII.

Old pump was leaking at shaft seal.
And was buzzing whenever the wheel
was turned, not just at full turn either side.

Still buzzes the same with new pump.
Fairly loud, quite annoying.

The rack is original, with 230k.

Could there be something in the rack
that is causing the system to buzz,
like maybe the valves are going bad?
There isn't any unusual play in the
steering.

It still steers fine, and there's little
slop in the bushings in the end of
the rack, and I put new inner & outer
tie rods/ends on it not long ago for
the 2nd time.

[scholman]

Macx,

The buzzing is air in the system. I think the way you have to fill that system is by turning the wheel full left and full right BUT with the front end off the ground and the engine NOT running. With the old pump leaking and allowing air into the system it is going to take a while to get all of the air out. I think you are to turn the pump by hand when first filling the system after the new pump was installed, so now you just have to be calm and keep working the air out of the system.

Good Luck
Scholman

[macx]

Learn something every day!

I did the typical fill routine -
wheels off the ground,
drain the old, fill the reserv w/new,
start the engine and quickly
turn full one way, shut engine
off, replenish reserv, start eng
and quickly turn full the opposite
way, eng off & replenish, etc.
for a couple rep's.

I'll try the wheels off engine off
routine and see what happens.

Thanks!

[KULTULZ]

FORD PS steering pumps are noisy to begin with. A little trapped air and they will drive you crazy.

When servicing the system, it is best to flush if possible (can be done without flush machine). Then refill and turn steering wheel lock to lock so as to fill the rack. Turning the PS pump by hand will also help fill the system (as previously advised, this is done with the nose of the car raised).

When filled, start car and gingerly turn wheel from side to side (do not turn to stops as this further agitates the fluid). After bleeding, look into reservoir and if air bubbles are present (agitation) in the fluid level, let it set for awhile with cap off for trapped air to escape. Driving should fully bleed system. Make sure fluid level is corret while sitting on level.

There are systems that will be a pain (Hydro-Boost-Large Cooler-Filter) and FORD has a special service tool (used with hand held vacuum pump) to bleed the reservoir while running.

Oh! Make sure you use correct fluid. Some take F, some take MERCON. Ask me how I know...