Strange sound from the power steering and brakes

[JWimberley]

2001 Ford Excursion 7.3L Powerstroke
221K Miles
Two Wheel Drive
Fresh brakes 10K miles ago...

I'm getting a very loud low pitch whine with a mild vibration whenever I hit the brakes or turn the steering wheel. I'm guessing it has something to do with my hydraulic system but I'm embarrased to admit that I have no clue how to check that system...

Anybody got a sec to help me out?

Thanks,
Joshua

[Sabre2th]

Checked fluid level in pump? (next to driver side IC tube)
Tom

[JWimberley]

Fluid level was the problem, that power steering pump fill was pretty well hidden! Thanks for the help!

[fourx4forfun]

ok, my level is sufficient, but i get the whine and it almost locks up at times when at slow parking speeds, does that mean a pump replacement?

[Sabre2th]

Pump could be getting weak.. It might not be a bad idea to try changing the fluid first, some have noted improvement with new fluid, others swear by synthetic.. I usually draw as much out of the pump as I can with a turkey baster and fill back up at every oil change, keeps it fairly fresh, never had a problem.
Tom

[rankroddin250]

if your fluid gets to low it can force air bubles into your PS lines and steering box this is verry messy but ive had it work before... get plenty of extra PS fluid and put a drain pan under the pump to catck all the over flow... with the truck running have some one steer the truck left to right (lock to lock) while just pouring a steady stream into the pump forcing it to over flow... yeah I know it sounds crazy but I had a mid 90's and a seal went out in my steering box and after i replaced my seal I had that horible whine untill i did the flush thingy LOL no kidding!