The power steering in my 2003 Ford Windstar has been groaning, especially after driving highway for 30 min or so. Fluid is fine. Steering is not hard. No leaks. This has been happening for about a year now and the dealer says “what groan?” Do I need a new power steering pump?
You might. When you’re standing in front of the car with the hood up and a friend turns the steering wheel, how’s the pump sound?
I had the groaning noise in my 2000 Ford Windstar that I used to own. I think the dealer told me that it was the mounts at the top of the struts. It has been a while since I owned the vehicle, but I just let it groan and didn’t have it repaired.
Yeah, I know the sound up close. It is worse than that. I can hear it while driving, windows up, and over my radio!
I had luck with Lube Gard power steering fluid additive for a noisy pump years ago. It stopped the noise and I didn’t have another problem with it.