Is it possible to do this?

I ask because after replacing my fluid and pump, i'm having trouble stopping the juddering on turning the wheel.

I also want to ask if it's normal for the fluid level to drop whilst running Vs stopped, or if this indicates air in the system?

 

Normally to get rid of any air in the system, you just have to start the engine with a full power steering pump reservoir turn the wheel lock to lock over and over again until the air is purged and top off the fluid as needed.

( some say not to go lock to lock at first while purging air ) working in a commission based environment I got used to cutting corners when I thought I could get away with it.

If I had a steering gear or rack out or pressure line removed I would also not go lock to lock at first.

( I like to do this with the vehicle on 4 jack stands so there is no load on the power steering ) once I think the system is good I put the vehicle on the ground and redo the bleed procedure.
(with a load on the power steering )

On some stubborn Power steering systems I have had to fill the pump reservoir start the engine turn the wheel lock to lock top off the fluid turn the wheel lock to lock shut the engine off and let the air escape from the fluid for a long time and repeat as necessary.

What caused you to replace the pump originally?

What kind of fluid did you use?

What brand of pump did you use?

Signs the system has air in it is a whine from the pump, tiny air bubbles in the fluid and shudder like you mentioned.

While thinking on this issue I looked up the bleeding procedure for my 2002 2.3 yours may be different ( disclaimer )

I cannot post the diagrams but below in yellow is what is listed from Alldata to properly purge the air from the 2.3 system yet it is a generic post since the 2002 2.3 has a CIII remote mounted reservoir.

The Diagrams shows the vacuum adapter connected to a CII reservoir which is a on the pump reservoir.

If purging the air by the book method the difference that I can see between the CII reservoir and the CIII reservoir is the adapter needed, I also noticed that the air relief hole is on the reservoir for the CIII and on the cap for the CII.

I imagine the air relief hole would need to be blocked off or utilized for bleeding if bleeding the CIII type reservoir yet the article does not mention this.

I only hope you have not damaged the pump by running it too long like this.

I have read the Ford air bleed procedure and to date I have never ever had to use a vacuum pump like mentioned below to purge the air.

However I can see how doing it like they suggest would make life a lot easier and the procedure would be faster than what I have had to do with stubborn systems.

CAUTION: If the air is not purged from the power steering system correctly, premature power steering pump failure can result. This condition can occur on pre-delivery vehicles with evidence of aerated fluid or on vehicles that have had steering component repairs.

NOTE: CII reservoir shown, CIII reservoir similar.

NOTE: A whine heard from the power steering pump may be caused by air in the system. The power steering purge procedure must be performed prior to any component repair for which power steering noise complaints are accompanied by evidence of aerated fluid.
Remove the reservoir cap. Check the fluid level. If necessary, fill the reservoir to the correct level.
Use Motorcraft MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON(R) equivalent.



Tightly insert the Vacuum Pump stopper into the reservoir.
Start the vehicle.



Using the special tool, apply maximum vacuum and maintain it for a minimum of three minutes with the engine speed set at idle.
Release the vacuum and remove the special tool.
CAUTION: Do not overfill the reservoir.
Check the fluid level. If necessary, fill the reservoir to the proper level.
Use Motorcraft MERCON(R) Multi-Purpose ATF XT-2-QDX or MERCON(R) equivalent.



Reinstall the special tool. Apply and maintain maximum vacuum.
CAUTION: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops for more than three to five seconds at a time. Damage to the power steering pump will occur.
Cycle the steering wheel fully to the left and right every 30 seconds for approximately five minutes.
Stop the engine, release the vacuum, and remove the special tool.
Install the reservoir cap.
Check for fluid leaks at all of the connections. If the power steering fluid shows signs of air, repeat this procedure.

 

I just rebuilt my pump, same thing, some pulsing, but it just had to be topped off.
I found filling it to the neck of the reservoir tube isn't enough.
It has to be filled to at least to what it says on the dip stick.

 

I'm using Mercon.

Replaced as the reservoir had a leak.

It's mostly bled, but had shuddering, indicating air present, I barely drive it this was as it was very difficult without forcing it to comply.

I applied vacuum last night, I've turned the shuddering into micro shudders?
however my attachment was a plastic cap which I suspect isn't fully sealing as I can't hold pressure.

 

I thought this would be a good place to post since Maxx was experiencing the same problem.
Mine just started doing this.
The rack has developed a small leak and air is entering the system.
Some micro stutter, but today it shook quite a bit while on the highway doing a turn, so I will have to look into it.

 

Based off my experience, the vacuum bleeding and how far along the micro-stuttering was in the process, i'd say you have a fair amount of air in the system :(

Where is yours leaking at?

 

Was perfectly fine this afternoon ??? Not that I'm complaining...

It started off when I noticed that there was oil in the cap itself _ took the cap of and the reservoir was way too full. WTF.
So full that oil was splattering all over the engine bay fuse box.

Where did all the oil come from, it wasn't like that the day before ?

So I removed some of the oil and off course, then the level really dropped, and obviously some air got in.

I kept adding over the next few drives until the level settled down again.

Now it seems fine and appears to drive OK again.

What the hell caused the level to suddenly become overfilled in the first place ?

When it comes to machinery I don't believe in bad luck and Gremlins, but this truck is sure testing me !

 

Hmm.

My level did that as air was working its way round the system, i had to be really careful how much i topped it up by.

Ford's method for checking the level, is do it when hot, move steering left and right a few times and then check level is in the hot area.

Odd how they don't suggest cold checking as a method.

Oh, and, wow, yeah, cleaning ATF off everything in that area!!! :( oh boy, that's a miserable and unfulfilling job :(

 

I do not know how you can look yourself in the mirror and say you do not believe in gremlins.

I have clear video evidence of their playful and destructive behavior in their nature habitat.