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Mechanical thoughts? Update added at the end.
Ruger4me
Member, Moderator Posts: 3,793 ******
Yesterday headed out in my 1995 F 250 2WD 5.8 L automatic and got about a mile before the power steering no longer worked, I kinda heard something not really sure how to explain it... anyways put the truck into park got out and walked around and didn't see anything out of the ordinary, no leaks, didn't see anything i might of hit... got it back home about a mile or less slow speed man handling the thing to make several turns. Checked the dip stick built in to the cap on the pump and it was pretty much not showing any fluid... I don't have any fluid Power steering or ATF to add and it's too cold and nasty outside to get any today, what are the chances it just needs fluid vs. a new pump, etc.?
Comments
Just a guess, but if it hasn't been noisy or acting funny my guess is a broken line and if there isn't fluid all over the place then it is probably either the low side hose or a seal in the pump. Good luck. You know you can replace that old truck for $60,000.00 and save the trouble of fixing it.
2WD
Found the problem.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
You have a slow leak somewhere in the lines or associated parts . Might refill with fluid and be able to drive for a while before it leaks down again .At some point either the pump , line or hydraulic cylinder will need repair / replacement .
.Not the worse job but likely to take a few hours.
agree if mine and do not see anything obvious go to a parts store get some marker dye and a black light ( cheap really ) and after driving it the leaks will show up easy
Broken belt?
No reason to have 4WD if you don't need it, now my tractor, that's a different story.
Not the belt, it only has the one serpentine type and it's still working, but thanks for some of the thoughtful answers . When the weather is nicer, in a day or two I'll go to the store and get some fluid to see if I can find a leak and then decide what the next step will be. I got a friend that has done some work on it before, he's a fair priced mechanic, I just figured I'd ask you folks since I knew I'd get some ideas along with the expected smart alec comments😊.
The next time you're under the hood, check any idler pulleys associated with the power steering belt. I recently had one seize up on my Nissan, and it showed similar symptoms.
My Nissan has had a slight power steering leak since it was new.I just keep it topped off and wash the bottom of the engine compartment with degreaser about twice a year.I started using Lucas Power Steering leak stop and it has helped. I looked at the odometer on the way home from work today and it has 512,000 miles on it so I guess the power steering leak had no big effect .
Funny thing @buddyb I looked at the odometer right before it happened because it had just turned to 180,000 on it.
most all the stop leak products just soften the seals and slightly swell them up to reseal them self
they do work but are really just a short term repair
but JMHO worth a shot on small seepage or leaks
Yes, I used to pour brake fluid in my power steering box to slow the leaks. Don
If the fluid is low, there is an underlying reason. Simply topping it off will only be temporary. Check the area where you usually park it for evidence of leaking. I had a similar problem with brakes a few months ago. Turned out that the problem was that the car had not been driven in quite awhile and the master cylinder seals had dried out and stiffened.
This man has obviously BTDT. He knows what he's saying. Agree all the way.
Montanajoe, grew up in a ford family . Rebuilt my first 352 engine at age 15 . Never could afford a new truck but they were all "new" to me at one time or the other . I have owned a 1966,1967.1970.1973,1977 1985 1987 1995and now a 2018 , all fords. I have replaced a few power steering pumps over the years .
Well it was warmer today and I took another look under the hood, based upon some of the suggestions, @Merlinnv12 and @Gunnut358 got it right! The belt was there and ok as I stated before, however taking a closer look I noticed that it wasn't moving and the reason why was the idler pully assemble was missing the actual pully... got one ordered will be here Saturday. Took the old assembly off in just a few minutes so, thanks fellas saved me some time and a mechanics labor charges.
Glad you found that and got it fixed. However, that doesn't explain or fix the low fluid level you first reported.
It was low but it wasn't that low, I added a little and it showed up on the dip stick cap right away which was why I started looking at belts and pullies again, now I gotta pull some of the fluid out, not much, but it is registering at just above the full mark...
Great on you.
Know all about those idler pulleys, lost one on my Duramax puling a loaded trailer on the interstate at abut 70 mph.. Big bang and no brakes. Sometimes good things happen. I came up on a uphill exit and was able to almost coast to a stop. Eased across the intersection to truck stop. Brown shorts moment for sure.
No Brakes?? Because of a belt?
glad you found the problem
I would have thought the belt would have been running more than just the PS pump . but I have not messed with a ford for many years . as for the idler pulley I have seen them melted down to the bearing and the bels in shreds
any way glad you up and running and a lot easier repair than the PS pump
OIC, ok good.
Ricci, if my memory serves me correctly, CRS really bad, Duramax brakes run of a belt driven vacuum pump. My 2002 did for sure. Odge a mechanical driven pump on my 1999. Furd, have no clue.
It does! If its only one belt, then it runs the alternator, AC, and most importantly the water pump!
Hopefully you watched the temp and it didnt run hot! Does NOT take long to overheat and cause internal engine damage with no water pump circulation!
As previously stated Duramax brakes rely on a vacuum pump run off a belt driven.
Margaret Thatcher
"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."
Mark Twain
If any part of the serpentine belt system was siezed, you may as well change the belt itself. There may be a worn thin or heat scorched spot on it.
I don't believe I ever mentioned the brakes... that was in others posts, it was the steering I had trouble with and for those concerned it was about 36 degrees outside and less than a mile driven before it happened and I immediately turned around and got it back to the house before it even was warmed up enough to get the heater working. I am also replacing the belt tomorrow when the idler assembly arrives even though it doesn't appear to be worn.
Good call
If I have to take a belt off for any reason to do a repair
I change the belt always while I have it apart
Ok, it is a diesel which doesn't have the vacuum of a gas engine and must use another source of vacuum.
Never had an idler pulley go out on any of my 4WD vehicles.😎
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
I have learned over the many years of my life to never say never when it comes to machinery and man- made, somewhat complicated inventions. If I ever slip and say never, I make darn good and sure there is some wood to knock on nearby! This also applies to complimenting any of my mechanized possessions! 🙂