Power Steering Noise

[Radical540]

Hey all....

Just recently picked up a '93 ATX SHO. Only 61,000 miles...so you might say I'm very happy (very good deal!!)

Nonetheless...I've already done some "routine maintenance" (rr. struts & links, cat-back exhaust, fuel filter, oil change, wiper blades, etc.)
The car starts, runs, and rides nice.... but my only concern (which may not even be a legit. concern) is that I'm hearing a mild power-steering pump whine. I'm wondering this...
~Is this a common SHO concern? (or a common FORD pump concern?)
~ How is the power-steering pump replacement job? Meaning...is it so difficult (many hours) that I probably don't want to be bothered? Or...relatively easy?
(after struggling with rear struts....I can't imagine it would be any more difficult (??) )

Thanks in advance guys for any insights!

 

[deercrusher]

I had this same problem when I bought mine - I bought a hand held pump and sucked ALL of the fluid out of the reservoir. It was VERY dirty and old - replaced with Lucas power steering fluid and within 1 day all of the whining was gone. It use to also seem to hang up coming out of a curve and the steering wheel would **** back and forth going into a curve - all of these problems went away for me once I gave it new power steering fluid.

 

[Radical540]

...you know....I did the same thing. The fluid I sucked out was nasty! It was actually gray in color...which leads me to believe the pump probably isn't in the best shape!
Maybe I'll suck out the fluid (again) today, and try and put in some better quality fluid; like the Lucas you mentioned. (is it thicker?)
Thanks for the info.

PS: Any idea how difficult it is to change the P/S pump?? At least it's up near the top- I'm thinking it's not that difficult.