Power steering issue

[Mark Tebb]

Hey guys I took my 1997 Mercury tracer into the garage today to get a diagnostic on the power steering as its been making a noise every time I turn the steering wheel. They said the power steering fluid was low and that it needed a new pump and flush. Anyway I am trying to work out if it’s worth me putting any money into this car as the total cost (including the repair of an idling issue) is about what the car is worth. Would simply topping up the power steering fluid make much of a difference or am I going to need a new pump? I am thinking if I can get away with just topping up the fluid myself and keep the car going for another year that would be better than putting money into this old car.

I have also attached a copy of the garage’s repair order if helpful.

I will post another question concerning the idle issue too.

Thanks guys

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[college man]

I would try to top it off first. You could also try changing the fluid.

[Erin]

Depends on how quick it loses fluid to say if just topping it off would be practical. I mean sure you CAN do that but how much would you be going through?
I had PS leaks on a couple cars and just topped off as needed. The pump should still work OK. I once had a 94 Grand Prix that was losing fluid real bad, went dry all the time but still worked upon refill.

If it leaks PS fluid onto the exhaust, that could be a fire hazard. Try to take note to what is getting messy from the PS leak. Can you tell WHERE it is losing fluid? From the pump itself?

If you wanted to replace the PS pump yourself, you could get one from a junk yard. Here are some instructions on how that goes.
http://www.justanswer.com/ford/1ziot-change-power-steering-pump-1997-ford-es.html
If you get one from a junk yard, Ones that will fit, according to rockauto’s site –
Ford Escort 1997 – 2002 and Mercury Tracer 1997-1999 Make SURE you get one from the same size engine, I do not know if different years of those cars had different engine options but it looks like 2.0 is the only one for the 97 Tracer.

If you DO get one from the junk yard, do not bother removing the pulleys from the junkyard unit or your own. Even if you have to pay a few bucks extra if the pulley is attached, it is a pain the the ass you do not need trying to remove and install pullies. Just use the whole pump/pulley assembly. You know the junk yard is probably where some repair shops are gonna get a pump anyways.

It doesn’t look like replacing a PS unit is all that bad a job on this engine.

[Author]

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