[BanditMan90]

Another problem with my 1997 mustang... Recently when i turn my wheels to the right or left or if i hit a decent enough bump in the road i hear a hissing type of sound... im thinking its the cv joint or universal joint but im not completely car technologically inclined and was wondering how i could find out myself what it is without having to pay to get it checked... thanks...

[shelbystangman]

it is prob your power steering either your low on fluid or your pump is going out

[BanditMan90]

how do i know if its the pump is there something i can noticeably see on the pump itself or pretty much just a guess and i can replace it and hope it works?

[ninetysixmustang]

check your fluid level. Power steering fluid is red (I think, pretty sure) so if there's red puddle somewhere, then you've got a leak.

[BanditMan90]

i just checked it and the lvl is fine... but how do i know or not if the pump it self is working my engine check light is on could that be it??? but i think the engine check light just means my O2 sensor is out but i could be wrong

[Gridleak]

I know a few other people including myself with this problem. I'm sure it's the Power Steering Pump. It's quite horrid, mine sounds like i'm torturing little animals. The farther I turn to the left or right the louder it gets. It makes for amusing jokes when i'm taking people places. I wish I knew of some aftermarket pumps, I would get one in a heartbeat if it took away the sound.

[BanditMan90]

i just dont want it to be the ball joint or something but those are supposed to last till 100,000 miles and mines only at 78k so i think i will just buy a new power steering pump and see if that works... but would the power steering pump still make a sound even when your going straight on the road when you hit bumps? lol i know what you mean though mine has a sound like a creak in a wood floor but the wound goes all the way through the turn... also if it is the power steering pump how come i hear the sound mostly from the right side wouldnt it affect both the left and right? sorry im learning about this stuff slowly thanks for the help

[shelbystangman]

a new pump wouldnt make noise if it is installed correctly and if thats the problem but it will eventually power steering pumps arent exactly one of fords strong points

[Gridleak]

Yeah. It's present when im driving, but not near as bad as when im turning. Where could I get a pump, new? I go to the junk yard every other week, but those cars are just as worn out as mine. Although i'm proud of mine. The odometer stoped at 187k miles, and that was about a year and a half ago. There's never been any problems with the Stang other than water overflowing from the AC and dripping on the exaust pipe, causing it to bust. Wanna talk about a horrible noise? Wait till your car sounds like a go-kart. But anyway, i'm also really interested in a cure for the noise.

EDIT:

I was on youtube, and found a guy that had the same problem. From his videos it sounds like the pump is the cause.

With old power steering:

YouTube - Mustang Fresh Out The Muffler Shop

New video with the pump replaced:

YouTube - Quick Mustang Exhaust Video

The car sounds so much better with that darn thing replaced. I swear this is the next thing i'm doing.

[shelbystangman]

you can get a new one at a auto parts store

[aowpsycho]

Could very well be your ball joints

[immenukka]

so wait if you are just in park with your car on and you turn the wheel does it make a noise?

[Gridleak]

I don't mean to highjack this tread, but there's lots of ready info I can't pass up. My car makes the sound even if your sitting and turn the wheel. So it must be the pump, right?

[shelbystangman]

yes im sure that it is the pump

[Pro Mustang]

I just changed the power steering pump on my 2002 V6. It whined when you first started it. With the new re-manufactured pump from Checker Auto it whined trerrible all the time. After diving it down to Checker they agreed the new re-manufactured pump was bad. Got a replacement, put it on and it was fine right away. You may want to check NAPA for a re-manufactured pump mabe theirs are better. I checked NAPA. I think it was about $62.00 Ford wants $171.00 for a re-built pump.