Power steering pump leaking trans fluid?

G

GrimeTime

LVC Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2012
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
Monroe
My 02 LS V8 all of a sudden started leaking transmission fluid super fast, so I thought I broke a line or something but I took it to a trans shop and they replaced the power steering pump. They said a switch on the side of the pump failed. Can anyone explain to me how trans fluid and power steering pumps would be linked together in this car? I read that trans fluid can be used as power steering fluid, so maybe it has something to do with that.

Also, I'm preparing to do my first ball joint I this car on Sat...drivers side lower. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Wish me Luck...
 
Thats whats in there from the factory, trans fluid. Several cars use trans fluin instead of ps fluid
 
And, just to make it clear. You can't use power steering fluid in the power steering of your LS. The manual clearly calls for the use of only Mercon or Mercon V transmission fluid.

The pressure switch tells the PCM when the power demand from the power steering pump increases. They could/should have only changed the boost switch. The car would have been just as repaired, and you would have paid a much lower bill.
 
GrimeTime said:
Also, I'm preparing to do my first ball joint I this car on Sat...drivers side lower. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Wish me Luck...
Click to expand...

Here's a tip. Have it done. If the new joint isn't pressed in perfectly you will probably crack the control arm. Aluminum isn't very forgiving.....
 
joegr said:
And, just to make it clear. You can't use power steering fluid in the power steering of your LS. The manual clearly calls for the use of only Mercon or Mercon V transmission fluid.

The pressure switch tells the PCM when the power demand from the power steering pump increases. They could/should have only changed the boost switch. The car would have been just as repaired, and you would have paid a much lower bill.
Click to expand...

I was gonna say the same thing. This happened to my car about 4 months ago and I had my garage just replace the switch. Just in case people look at this thread later, this is definitely an alternative....
 
LS4me said:
Here's a tip. Have it done. If the new joint isn't pressed in perfectly you will probably crack the control arm. Aluminum isn't very forgiving.....
Click to expand...

Heres the thing...I can't find a shop that will only install the ball joint...everyone I have gone to tells me that their book says they have to replace the whole knuckle, and I tried explaining that I bought a moog replacement and I just want it pressed in and they all tell me I'm mistaken. So I'm done dealing with these idiots and enlisted the help of my mechanic buddy to do it with me. I refuse to pay $600 to fix a lower ball joint...
 
GrimeTime said:
Heres the thing...I can't find a shop that will only install the ball joint...everyone I have gone to tells me that their book says they have to replace the whole knuckle, and I tried explaining that I bought a moog replacement and I just want it pressed in and they all tell me I'm mistaken. So I'm done dealing with these idiots and enlisted the help of my mechanic buddy to do it with me. I refuse to pay $600 to fix a lower ball joint...
Click to expand...

I got the same response. I accidentally called an alignment shop twice and on the second call they agreed to do it.

Just be VERY, VERY careful!
 
joegr said:
And, just to make it clear. You can't use power steering fluid in the power steering of your LS. The manual clearly calls for the use of only Mercon or Mercon V transmission fluid.
Click to expand...

Does it matter if it's Mercon or Mercon V? My manual states Mercon V for the trans and Mercon for the power steering.
 
nelliott500 said:
Does it matter if it's Mercon or Mercon V? My manual states Mercon V for the trans and Mercon for the power steering.
Click to expand...

You should use Mercon V now. There is a TSB saying to switch to that for the power steering. TSB07-1-07
 

Attachments

And it doesn't hurt if you put in some rear differential Ford Limited Slip additive if your steering squeaks when making turns during cold weather to lubricate the rack seals.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 404 (members: 0, guests: 404)
Back
Top