on a1995 Ford Windstar was running fine until Power Steering fluid leaked and foam up on to the engine
How_does_power_steering_fluid_flow
No it is a totally different fluid. It can sometimes be used as power steering fluid in a pinch. I would strongly advises you not to try it. The viscosity is different and it won't flow thru the lines properly. This will in turn cause your brakes to fail.
No, it will not. Try replacing the belt.
Your car is out of, or low on power steering fluid. (make sure you buy the proper steering fluid for your car, ex: Honda's only safely take Honda steering fluid)Check the following Once you have checked the fluid level and the problem persists, rev the engine slightly to see if the steering improves. If it does, it means the flow rate of your pump is low and needs attention/replacement. If it doesn't improve, have your pump tested by a power steering repair shop. There is a slight possibility of there being a problem in your rack if the shaft teflon is damaged or the teflon rings in the spool valve have worn grooves into the housing. www.powerbrakeandsteering.co.za
Check the power steering pump for fluid. Other problems can include bad hoses. Even though they look good on the outside they can be bad on the inside restricting the flow of fluid. If changing the hoses didnot work than it is in the steering box.
There probably isn't an easy procedure to determine your root cause without taking some time to properly diagnose the concern. However, I would assume that since you say the fluid is not returning that it means that the vehicle probably has no steering assist. The proper diagnosis would entail a aperatus simply called a power steering analyser that is installed between the fluid pump and the pressure line to the steering gear. the analizer has a flow control valve, flow meter and a pressure guage that when used correctly will test the fluid pumps ability to provide pressure, and volume within set manufacture specs. If your pump is working correctly and is able to attain fluid from the reservior (no hose blockage) than the pump would probably pass its performance tests. Also, a concern could exist after the pump. for instance, there may be a fluid blockage within the steering gear, fluid lines, or fluid cooler after the fluid flows from the pump. If this condition is the problem the steering analizer will show abnormal high pressure anytime the engine is running. This may be noticeable audibly if with the engine running the power steering pump may have a constant growl or whine.
Adhesion can cause fluid molecules to stick to the walls of the container, which can create friction and resistance to the flow of the fluid. This can result in reduced flow rates and turbulence in the fluid flow system.
viscosity is the property of a fluid that resists the force tending to cause the fluid to flow.
Check the steering valves, pump, hoses and cylinders in the power steering system. Make sure the hoses are fairly flexible. The hoses can get a little stiff in hot weather. The pump should draw down the RPM of the engine if it is working correctly. The control valves on the linkage system must be clean and be able to operate smoothly. Dirt can wreak havoc with the smooth flow of a power steering system. Also, make sure the power steering fluid is at the recommended level.
Click on the link to your right for the answer. Basically, the pump supplies pressure to the system and causes the fluid to flow. A spool valve in the rack/Box redirects the flow of oil to either the left of the right of the piston on the steering shaft or box. Any excess oil is returned to the reservoir. Should the wheels be in the full lock position, a relief valve in the pump will release and the fluid will bypass in the pump internally. www.powerbrakeandsteering.co.za
Hard turning in one direction can mean a bind in the front end components or the power steering fluid flow is not switching from one side to the other. Check the tie rod ends and steering components with the front end lifted on jack stands.
A fluid is NOT a solid. A fluid is a type of matter that flows. A fluid is liquid and gases.