Two problems related to brake drum wheel cylinder have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I purchased my 1998 Windstar with approx 20,000 km on it in 1999. Just after the warranty expired (at 60,000 km) I noticed 2 large bubbles in the paint on the two front doors. I took the car to the Ford dealership where they agreed to pay 80% of the cost of repainting. This was not entirely agreeable to me but I felt I had no choice. My vehicle how has 86,000 km on it and the paint is peeling on the roof and around the sliding door. I have contacted Ford canada but have not heard back from them as yet. Other problems encountered include having to replace a motor for the power windows, the fan mechanism (the blower would not move off of defrost), a leaking brake cylinder as well as what I would consider standard maintenance such as brakes, tires. I am also having intermittent problems with the electrical system eg. The warning bell signalling that the lights have been left on or the keys are in the ignition goes off for no reason. This then prevents me from being able to lock the vehicle.
When applying brakes there is a squealing sound, braking distance was extended, dealer replaced rear cylinders, then 2 weeks later while driving very slowly, brakes locked up, and driver's rear drum was rusted.