BA Falcon Power Steer Pulsation/Shudder.


The BA Falcon runs a sealed power steering system that pressurises as the temperature increases similar to a cooling system. Removing the reservoir cap when the system is hot releases pressure and consequently causes the system to go into negative pressure when it cools which can induce cavitation in the pump creating a pulsing or shuddering at low/parking speeds which is felt through the steering wheel. Moving the wheels from lock to lock with the engine off may also cause a similar cavitation leading to shudder. Because of the sealed cap on the system it can take up to a week of normal driving to allow the system to "normalize" and eliminate the shudder. Most cases of this shudder are temporary and can be relieved by following the correct bleed procedure. Persistent cases should be referred to a Ford Dealer.

The correct procedure for bleeding the system to remove the air bubbles created by the cavitation is as follows. The engine should be COLD for this procedure.

**NOTE** Ensure keys are removed from the Ignition before commencing this procedure.


Step 1) - Release the tension from the front end accessory drive belt (FEAD Belt) and slip the belt off the side of the pump pulley. Tension is released by rotating the automatic tensioner arm clockwise using a 3/8 drive ratchet or similar in the square recess in the alloy arm. (Refer to arrow on belt schematic for location of recess)
Remove the reservoir cap.

Step 2) - Turn the pump pulley by hand to bring the air bubbles to the surface of the fluid. Continue until no air bubbles are visible rising in the fluid. This should only take a couple of minutes.

Step 3) - Refit the FEAD belt over the pump pulley by rotating the automatic tensioner clockwise and then release for automatic retension. Refit the reservoir cap.

Step 4) - * NOTE* Do not use any throttle during this step. Start and then immediately stop the engine. Wait for 40 seconds. Repeat this procedure two more times making sure you wait 40 seconds before each start/stop of the engine.

Step 5) - Wait for two minutes after completing step 4 and then start the engine and cycle the steering from lock to lock approximately 20 times. Move the vehicle forward slightly after each 4 lock cycles to minimize tyre scuffing.

This procedure should eliminate the shudder but if it persists the customer should be advised to contact their Ford Dealer as there is a revised power steering hose that "MAY" be fitted under warranty for persistent cases of steering shudder