Two problems related to steering rack have been reported for the 1996 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Steering rack noisy & pops when making hard right turns. There is a service bulletin on this problem.
Experienced grinding noise when turning steering wheel to right. Diagnosed as a short rack and power steering return problem. Service tech stated that this problem "doesn't occur under normal driving conditions," and couldn't provide a reason for problem. I believe it is a defect from the manufacturer, and I should be refunded my costs for the repair. There should be some sort of recall action because the problem, from what I am reading from others, is too systemic to be a coincidence.