navigator

Hey guys, I own a 97 f150 with 4.6L, 175k. Today I was parking at target and the power steering suddenly stopped working. The belt is fine and not slipping and there are no leaks. I also checked the fluid and it is full. PS pump has never shown signs of any problems, no noises or leaks. One second it worked fine the next nothing. Any ideas?

whitecrystal1

navigator. I don't know, maybe the pump just went bad...175K is a lot of miles.

LovetheTide

Welcome to the forum!

navigator

Thanks guys. I don't think there is any way to test the pump so I guess I will replace it today. Will let you know the outcome. Thanks again.

LovetheTide

I'm think that it could be the pump also. Keep us updated on how it goes!

navigator

I assume the fan has to come off and it is reverse threads?

whitecrystal1

For the power steering pump? Or are you looking at the water pump? I would have to see you engine compartment but usually not. I had a 02 but I can't remember were it was located. I never had to do much other than one tune up and lots of oil changes on it.

navigator

Ok. I am looking at the PS pump. It appears one of the mounting bolts is behind the PS pump pulley. Can't get pulley puller in there with fan and shroud in the way. Guess its time for a Chiltons. Bought the truck with 96k and has been very dependable, this is first major problem.

whitecrystal1

If a wrench wont fit in there then your probably right about having to take the fan off. They were reverse threaded on my 93 Suburban I had.

navigator

Well I was wrong.

You can replace the PS pump without remove anything else.Was able to get to the 4 mounting bolts with pulley on,
but had to get the pulley off and pressed on at a local shop, $20.
The new one seems to be working but have not driven it.

Im not sure if I should flush the system or just run it letting it bleed itself, what do you think?