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Power steering problem 200 1989

Hey all, I've been having some power steering issues and could use a second opinion on how to go about fixing it. My 89 sedans status at the moment is this: When i turn on the engine after about 7-10 seconds the wheel locks up, and under the hood i can see the ps belt lock up, but the other belts seem to keep turning fine, and the whole time making a very loud screechy squealing noise and a smoking smell.

This all started driving on the highway, i smelled a burning smoking smell and could see a bit of smoke coming from the front right of the car, that all went away quick, then a few more miles i lost some power steering, as i made my way home it got worse and worse. My first thought was the fluid, it was black, so i changed it once and prepared to flush it but this time when i started him up the locking up and noise began.

The belt tension is fine, the alignment is fine on all but the a/c compressor belt it's a tiny bit off but the noise wasn't coming from that area, it was from the power steering belt and pump. So i just yesterday replaced the pump and pulley thinking that's most likely and that didn't fix it. The belt locks up regardless of whether i turn the wheel or not, and i only manage to turn the wheel to one side now before it starts squealing.

My next idea is that there's something wrong with the a/c compressor. I keep hearing/reading stories of people cutting off their belt and came across the idea of bypassing the belt which i was thinking of doing anyway since my a/c doesn't work. Or that there's a bad bearing somewhere.

I'd be grateful for any advice before i sink more money into parts i don't need. Thanks.








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    Power steering problem 200 1989

    Flush the power steering out some more while turning the rack stop to stop. Add a bottle of "Lucas" brand power steering conditioner after the flush and top off with the recommended type. This will prolong and seal your rack and smooth things out. Lucas is around $8








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    Power steering problem 200 1989

    Wanna be sure I understand -- when you say the belt locks up -- the crankshaft pulley is trying to turn the PS pump belt, but it can't because the PS pulley isn't turning? If that's the case - the PS pump is locked up. Which would also explain problems with the rack. If the pump is screwed up -- the fluid is compromised and may also have damaged the rack.

    Not sure why the A/C compressor would be involved.








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      Power steering problem 200 1989

      May be incorrect fluid in P/S, like mineral Dexron III, as the stupid Haynes manual says to do. Owner manual states Ford "Type F" transmission fluid.

      Many do have success with the many-spec supporting fluids like the Amsoil SuperShift and Mobil 1 ATF (more than one version)

      Yet I'll guess the pump and rack may now be faulty.

      Loosen the P/S pump belt. Turn the P/S pump pulley? Tell us how that goes.

      cheers,

      No Need For Eclipsing Traffic Jams in Volvo 240. My Duff is about smack dab at the center of it all. Latitude and Longitude. Ha-beh-humbug.

      No eggnog.
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        Power steering problem 200 1989

        Sorry for the delay on the update. I looked in the manual and made sure i was using the right stuff and that checked out. I replaced the fluid after each time i disconnected the pump and it seems to be fine now. I ended up going ahead with the a/c belt bypass because i was gonna do that anyway and that seemed to fix the problem. Everything runs great and sounds like it should now so i don't think it was the rack otherwise i assume i'd still be having issues. Hopefully it will stay like that for a while. Thanks for the tips.








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          Power steering problem 200 1989

          Yes I guess that will fix the problem for as long as you want!

          I hope you don't have to parallel park much.
          You will be ok until you notice that your left bicep will make it hard to lock the door from the inside. (:-)
          Of course, if the A/C doesn't Defog the left window you will be able to wipe it easier!

          You are a better man than me to have this not working and it remind you every time you turn to the right from a stop. It would drive me nuts!

          Have you thought about building up leg muscles?
          Disconnect and plug the vacuum line to the brake booster.
          It's a quick way to feel like you have drum brakes.

          Have fun and drive safe!

          Phil







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