Did a fluid flush cure my power steering problem?

[kennyj]

This past winter I started getting a lot of pump noise, that typical whine, especially in really cold temps. Also when cranking the wheel I was getting some bad groaning sounds. I assumed I was ready for a new pump and have been waiting for warm weather to deal with it.

So today I went and picked up a new pump and got the puller tool. I wanted to start with a flush to get all the old fluid out of the system.
I disconnected the return line from the reservoir and put it in a jug to catch the old fluid, then siphoned all the old fluid from the reservoir. I proceeded to run three quarts through until it was running clean, while operating the brakes and turning the wheel lock to lock. The fluid that came out initially was really nasty: black, burnt and sludgy. No metal particles though. Chances are it was the original fluid with 160k.

When I got done flushing it was running really quiet so I went for a ride and did some hard turns and it seems totally cured. My question is what's the chance that fresh fluid took care of my problem and my pump is actually okay. Or is the pump likely damaged and needs replacing anyway? I'm hoping no particles in the old fluid was a good sign.

[paintdrying]

Friend of mine runs seafoam through his about every 10,000 miles. Van turns like it is riding on glass. All kidding aside, on many fords they have noisy pumps and the cure seems to be flush and refill with synthetic. Chevy has a much better pump. If it is working I would take the new pump back. You can always go buy it again if you need it.

[cowboydan]

totally. like any other system, it needs new fluid every now and then. i add lucas to the pump. your van seems to be a special case ...caught before it broke kind of case! you just saved yourself 500 bucks at any known shop.

[redfury]

I may have to do the same to my van as it has a definite whine at idle and while using the brakes and turning...the brakes sound like they have a high speed valve opening and closing when I put good pressure on them. I'll report back my results when I get it done...I need to replace some hoses anyway that are leaking...good reason to mess with it now.

[kennyj]

Just to report back, it's been more than 2 weeks and my power steering has been just fine. It took three quarts to get it to run clear. If you're going to do this don't forget to operate the brakes to get the hydroboost cleaned out.

After flushing I was getting a noise on right turns that I thought was the steering gear, turned out part of the wheel well skirt had come loose and was scraping on the tire.

Friend of mine runs seafoam through his about every 10,000 miles.

It worked so well for my axle but I didn't even think to try it on the power steering.

[cowboydan]

Just to report back, it's been more than 2 weeks and my power steering has been just fine. It took three quarts to get it to run clear. If you're going to do this don't forget to operate the brakes to get the hydroboost cleaned out.

After flushing I was getting a noise on right turns that I thought was the steering gear, turned out part of the wheel well skirt had come loose and was scraping on the tire.

Friend of mine runs seafoam through his about every 10,000 miles.

It worked so well for my axle but I didn't even think to try it on the power steering.

i had that happen, i thought it was a bad cv, but it turned out to be the inner fender plastic also. i pinned it back on both sides and presto, gone