[Goldleafed]

Hi everyone,

I drive a '65 Mustang 289 with the original power steering system.

As I was slowly turning the steering wheel while backing out of a parking spot yesterday, I heard a pop and my steering went stiff. I can still turn, but with a lot of effort and a lot of squealing -- the type of squealing you get when you reach the furthest limit of a left or right turn, except now it happens anytime I turn the wheel. And, as I said, the steering is obviously stiffer, as if the power steering is no longer working.

I checked the engine bay and the belt was still there, and there was no fluid overflow or explosion of any kind. Everything looked normal. I checked the reservoir and there was fluid. And, yes, I'm using the correct fluid: Napa ATF 75-205.

Some background: My power steering (transmission) fluid reservoir has been leaking slowly but surely. I've been topping it off and checking it regularly, but I can confirm that I drove the car at least once a few weeks ago with NO FLUID. After filling it up though, everything seemed fine and I was driving without problems until this happened.

So, in summary, my power steering popped on a slow turn. Now it takes a lot of effort to turn and squeals loudly. What's wrong?

 

[sykesk]

When you filled it, did you turn the wheel to both extremes? I believe that’s what you do to get the air out of the system when adding fluid. Maybe you have a big air bubble in your lines?

 

[Nos681]

Remove belt for power steering pump and see if you can rotate it.
What happens?

 

[malarson]

Did your ram bracket break or tear away from the frame? Look under the car right behind the drivers side front wheel. Mine has broken twice and it makes a loud pop and you lose power steering.

 

[Magnus]

^^^^ This. Make sure that bracket's still attached to the car and in one piece and not just flopping around under there.

 

[rhutt]

Having torn that bracket away from the frame myself, I know the feeling. It could be the source of the initial "pop", but would not explain the squealing sound that followed.

 

[iamdiffrnt1]

Actually it would. Since the ram would no longer be connecting the frame rail to the center link, any steering input would bottom the ram in either direction almost instantly.

 

[GT289]

^ What he said.

ex-Global West GM
1991-1995

 

[Goldleafed]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I'll go under the car and do an inspection after work. I'll report my findings.

 

[Goldleafed]

Sorry for the late reply, but you guys were correct! The bracket that bolts to the frame rail popped off.

In any case, I ended up removing the power steering. I feel much more confident in the steering now.

And, no, the PS is not for sale

Thanks for your help!

 

[Nos681]

Did it break or missing bolts?
Just wondering.