Power steering leakin , but dont know where its coming from , and its whining too . but the it stops whining after i drive it for awhile , what should i do....

if it is definitely coming from the power steering pump then you will have to change the pump. common problems associated with the pump is a whining or hard to steer once in awhile. still will need a pump change

Please elaborate. Does it happen when stopped and turning the steering wheel, at certain speeds or both?
Does yours have power steering? That was an option for 1990.
First thing that comes to mind is the power steering pump or just low on fluid. Check the fluid level first. Not necessarily in danger of imminent failure but if yours has never been replaced it would be a good idea to get a new one for peace of mind.
One way to check it is to go to drive into a big empty parking lot, turn off the engine (don't turn the key too far as to lock the steering) and make some of the same kinds of turns that typically makes the noise happen. If it still makes the same noise it's NOT the power steering pump and I'm at a loss without more details. If it doesn't whine, then it still could be something with the power steering. With the car running and parked have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth and listen for it under the hood and you should be able to find the source. If you don't know where the power steering pump is I'd suggest getting a service manual. I recommend one from Haynes.

Fords are notorious for having power steering units go out. That whining, with proper fluid at the proper level, indicates that the power steering unit needs to be replaced. You can keep driving it with the whining but it will eventually fail (probably at the least convenient time). I would say to take it to a mechanic or fix it yourself if are handy at car repair and you want to save some money on labor.

You shouldn't need to replace 2 pumps,or even one. It shouldn't whine,where you hear it, driving.
I would change the steering rack,flush the cooler and pump. Still got a whine ,your getting bad rebuilt pumps

normally, the only part of your automatic transmission that will make a whining noise is the pump. it usually whines when iether the fluid is low or more commonly when the transmission oil filter is getting plugged up.

the power steering pump will also make a whining noise too.

turn the wheel all the way to the right and hold steady pressure against the stop. this puts maximum force on the power steering pump and, if the power steering pump is the one making the whine, it will change the sound of it. (usually louder).

if the trans pump is making the whine noise, it should sound different in neutral compared to drive. this test will really only work if it make the noise without the vehicle moving. if it wont do it at idle hold the rpms at 2000 or so.

if you decide the noise is coming from the transmission, and the transmission filter has not been replaced (assuming you installed a used transmission), replace the filter by removing the oil pan.



oh and also, if it is the power steering pump you should be able to make it make the whining noise while the vehicle is stationary. if it wont make noise unless its moving its not the power steering pump.

When you checked the power steering fluid level were there any indications of excessive foaming? There are three things that would cause a whining noise from the power steering. 1- low fluid (you checked that so that is not the culprit), 2- loose steering drive belt (you should not be able to press down on the belt more that about one inch between the steering pump pulley and the crankshaft pulley), 3- power steering pump bearing worn out.

Hi,
If the sound is coming from your power steering pump and the fluid level is good, the pump could be going out.

A power steering pump will whine if it is low on fluid, when you turn the wheels you will hear the whine or if the power steering belt is to tight you will also hear the whine. You will not hear this whine when the truck is stopped.

Sounds like a dry/failing bearing or power steering pump noise. You first need to try to track down where the noise is originating, and the most likely place is at the front of the engine.
I would start by listening with the hood up while parked with the engine running and the noise present, and seeing if it is coming from there. If so, the most likely cause is something connected to the belt - e.g. AC compressor clutch, tensioner, power steering pump, or generator. Can also be caused by the belt just slipping (warn out belt, tensioner not working properly).

that whining noise is definately your power steering pump. the earlier models eg 2001-2003 just have noisy ones. so they say, if that noise become really excessive; its an early warning that its gonna fail. the newer pumps are much quiter, but i was quoted approx 1200+ CND for a new pump. I have a 2003 cooper, and the whining noise is loud. only once has the steering been really stiff, but i resolve that problem by restarting the vehicle. watch out tho, the power sttering could fail on you while your driving around a corner, and if you dont have both hands on the wheel, you'll go strait.