Noises from engine area

1997 FORD MUSTANG

120,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • RWD • AUTOMATIC

MSMCCORKLE

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I have two noises coming from the engine area of my GT.

The first is a groaning noise. I think it is a power steering pump, but I want to make sure. If I put in power steering fluid, the sound gets considerably less loud but I can still hear a little, but it seems to help. This sound seems to get louder when I am at a low speed (i.e parking lot).

The second is a ticking noise that gets faster at higher rpm's, I am thinking this is an alternator. I checked the belt and the belt is okay, it is not frayed or damaged in any way.

Help!

Mack

Mar 3, 2017 at 8:43 AM

CARADIODOC

CERTIFIED EXPERT
34,306 POSTS

For the ticking noise, remove the drive belt, then run the engine just long enough to determine if that noise is gone. If it is gone, spin the individual pulleys by hand to feel if something is catching or binding.

The buzzing noise can be caused by the power steering pump or by air in that system. Adding fluid to make the noise decrease suggests the cause is the pump. Air would not be expelled simply from adding more fluid unless the level had been so low that air was being sucked in. If the fluid was that low, there is a leak that must be diagnosed and repaired.

Be aware that Ford power steering systems have caused a real lot of frustration when trying to bleed the air out. Air in the lines will compress under pressure, and can be trapped in high spots, then, when the engine is stopped, that air expands and pushes fluid out of the reservoir and makes a horrendous mess. There are special funnels and tools on the market to aid in bleeding these systems. Do not get excited if it takes some time to get all the air out.

Mar 3, 2017 at 4:58 PM