Power Steering Saga

[Gobird]

What do you do to prevent a FEM from going bad?

Nothing never had that problem.

[Gobird]

What was the cost of just flushing the PS.

Don't know I had the break and trans. system done at the same time. Think the whole thing was a little over $150.00 at my Ford dealer. But then I have a very good dealer. Bill Jarett Ford, ( think the racing Jarret's related.)

[AZTB]

I have found that sometime the easiest way for me to prevent future problems is not have a dealership touch my car.

[Gobird]

I have found that sometime the easiest way for me to prevent future problems is not have a dealership touch my car.

It would seen you don't have a good dealer, I do.

[HKS]

Don't know I had the break and trans. system done at the same time. Think the whole thing was a little over $150.00 at my Ford dealer. But then I have a very good dealer. Bill Jarett Ford, ( think the racing Jarret's related.)

My PS troubles got worse just after I had Ford QuickLane change the power steering fluid. I don't think they purged the lines. I asked if they added the Ford PS additive and they said yes. I don't believe them.

Original PS fluid was Mercon 3, yellow. Ford has recommended Mercon V, red, same a transmission fluid for some time now.
QuickLane put yellow Mercon 3 back in.
HKS

[HKS]

It would seen you don't have a good dealer, I do.

Actually there are 2 Ford dealers. Same outfit. And the one clear across town is the one I like. But, I did not know if I had transmission fluid leaking or PS fluid, so I picked the one closest to me.
HKS

[HKS]

Actually there are 2 Ford dealers. Same outfit. And the one clear across town is the one I like. But, I did not know if I had transmission fluid leaking or PS fluid, so I picked the one closest to me.
HKS

Just did some thinking.
Why Power Steering reservoir had yellow fluid and red fluid was leaking from the power steering pressure switch. Yellow in PS tank and red transmission fluid on ground makes things confusing.

I suspect leaking was going on for a while and Quicklane just toped of the reservoir with yellow Mercon 3 without telling me.
Leaking got worse and got on the accessory drive belt which caused severe shudder sensation when turning the wheel.

When I checked the yellow reservoir fluid was down 40%.

HKS
P.S. Hope to post a happy ending soon.

[HKS]

Nothing never had that problem.

Spence,
Changing and purging the PS fluid (properly, no shortcuts) may have some effect on the FEM power circuit via the VAPS actuator.
I have a lengthy explanation and will explain later.

Too tired now and picking up Tbird at 1600 hours today.

5PM Tbird is home. Everything works. They got me for $100 for new serpentine belt.
Has anyone replaced that belt themselves?

HKS

[Elky64]

I did my belt last summer, took about 1/2 hr taking my time.
Al

[HKS]

I did my belt last summer, took about 1/2 hr taking my time.
Al

Al,
How did you do it. From the top, or did you use a hoist or ramps and work from the bottom?
They promised to give me the old belt and did not do it. I wanted to see the spot where the PS fluid got on it.
I was promised the defective pressure switch, did not get it. They assume older people don't remember details.

I think all these service advisors get hired by spewing BS during their hiring interview.
Thus these advisors think it is OK to treat customers with a generous amount of BS.

HKS

[Elky64]

Sorry I didn't check in yesterday.....
I did it from above. I removed the radiator cover, and if I recall correctly the air cleaner and cold air tube. I may have slid under and removed the splash shield. My idler and tensioner pulls were ok. This would be the time to do them if needed. You can tell by spinning them to see if they are noisy or at all loose.

[HKS]

Al
Thank you very much.
Hermann

I hope Ford checked the tensioners without me asking them while they replaced the belt.

[HKS]

Al
Thank you very much.
Hermann

[HKS]

Al
Thank you very much.
Hermann

I have no idea about the multiple replies.

[Elky64]

3 thank you's is way too many.