2002 Ford Windstar whaling noise when turning or excellerat

MACGREGORR

MEMBER
2002 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
137,000 MILES

When weather is warm-summertime-the engine makes a loud squeeling noise when turning or excellerating. It won't do it at all in the cold weather. Only when temperatures hits 60's or higher. It sounds like it is coming from the power steering pump. The fluid level is full.

1 Reply

DANAUTHIER

MECHANIC
156 POSTS

Sorry to say but sounds normal for a windstar of the age and milage you have, ford pumps are inherantly noisy and gets worse with age.
You can try changing the power steering fluid, it will help for a while. You can pay a chain garage to do it (50 - 100 dollars depending on where you are) or you can get a gallon of good power steering fluid and a suction gun (or turkey baister), pull fluid out of resivoiur, fill with clean fluid, start engine and turn wheel lock to lock 3 times, turn off engine and repeat untill fluid is clearer. The chains have a machine that they use to pull fluid out & put it in, otherwise they use the same proccess.
Untill you notice a problem with steering, I personally would not be to concerned about the noise. I have had many customers in my repair center thinking they needed a new power steering pump due to the noise alone, and they have driven the vehicle without replacing the pump for several years.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Dan