Power Steering - Moaning Noise At Idle

Article No.
99-4-1

03/08/99

^ STEERING - POWER STEERING MOAN DURING
ENGINE IDLE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L
4-VALVE ENGINE

^ NOISE - "MOANING" NOISE COMING FROM
POWER STEERING DURING ENGINE IDLE -
VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L 4-VALVE ENGINE

FORD:
1996-98 TAURUS

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1996-98 SABLE

This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include 1996 model year vehicles and to include the latest level parts.

ISSUE

A "moaning" noise may be heard from the power steering during engine idle. This noise may be most noticeable during engine warm up.

ACTION

Refer to the following Service Procedure for diagnostic and service information.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE
MAKE SURE THIS NOISE IS NOT CONFUSED WITH STEERING "GRUNT" OR "HONKING" NOISE DURING STEERING WHEEL RETURN FROM FULL RIGHT TURN. STEERING PUMP "MOAN" CAN OCCUR DURING ANY STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT. MOAN MAY ALSO BE HEARD WITHOUT STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT AND WILL INTENSIFY AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED. REFER TO TSB 97-13-3 FOR 1997 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IF VEHICLE HAS STEERING GRUNT.

1. Check the power steering fluid level. Both a high and low fluid level can cause excessive noise.

2. Inspect the power steering lines and make sure they are not grounded on any part of the vehicle.

3. Purge power steering system of air. Refer to Section 11-00 of the appropriate Taurus/Sable Service Manual.

4. If the above Steps do not correct the concern, replace the power steering pressure lines using Power Steering Service kit. Refer to the Instruction Sheet included with the kit for installation procedures.

5. After installing the kit, be sure to purge the system of air. Refer to Section 11-00 of the Service Manual for details.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

XF1Z-3A719-SX Power Steering Service Kit (1996 vehicles)
F8DZ-3A705-YY Power Steering Service Kit (1997-98 Vehicles)

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 97-13-3

SUPERSEDES: 98-13-3

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper
Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

990401A Check Fluid Level And 0.6 Hr.
Lines, Purge System

990401B Install Power Steering kit 2.9 Hrs.
(Includes Inspection And Purge)

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
3A705 42

OASIS CODES: 303000, 702000, 702100