Power steering hard to turn

Tiny
LEIGHF
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
Hi, I do not see any leaking in my power steering fluid but it is really hard to turn the car. We put new fluid in with other fluid that helps seal leaks. There seems to be a few bubbles in the power steering but the level is not dropping. These bubbles do not over spill but are there. Where should I look first to find where the air is coming in?
Thursday, August 20th, 2015 AT 8:08 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Hello,

9 times out of 10 the pump has gone out which is common here is a guide to help walk you through the repair and diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

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Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 AT 6:15 AM
Tiny
SYLVER
  • MEMBER
  • 21 POSTS
  • 2009 FORD FOCUS
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
How do I get the bubbles out of my power steering resovoir. There are foaming bubbles in the resovoir and the steering wheel is stiff and hard to turn. How can I repair this problem?
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Monday, February 11th, 2019 AT 6:51 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,752 POSTS
You take it to a mechanic who has any of the dozen tools made specifically to solve this problem on Ford products. What you should also be finding is the air that is compressed in the system will expand and cause fluid to overflow from the reservoir when you stop the engine. It can be real frustrating, as you're finding out, to get the air out.

The tool I have seen people have the best results with is a funnel that attaches to the reservoir where the cap goes. The fluid that blibbits out when you stop the engine will be caught in the funnel, rather than running onto the floor, and will go back into the system.

If you let the car sit overnight, the tiny bubbles in the reservoir will slowly work their way out. Part of the problem comes from the fluid in the steering gear and hoses has bubbles yet that contract under pressure when the engine is started, that makes the level in the reservoir go down, and the pump can suck up more air. Leaving that funnel in place with extra fluid helps to get the air out.

It can also help to drive the car onto a slant with one side up higher first, then the other side. That can help an air pocket get expelled that is trapped in the rack and pinion assembly. Steer lock to lock three or four times while each wheel is higher than the other one.

You may be able to find that funnel, or some of the other tools for Fords, at an auto parts store that rents or borrows tools. Otherwise head to a suspension and alignment mechanic. They all have their favorite ways of solving this.
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Monday, February 11th, 2019 AT 6:51 PM (Merged)

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