Four problems related to clunking noise have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, she heard a loud clunking noise. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear driver side axle was fractured in half. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who verified the failure but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 100,000.
I have replaced the rear axle now for the third time. The first time it broke in half coming into my home driveway. The second time I heard a thumping noise from the rear of the van and looked to find a crack in the axle,I replaced it yet again. This last time the same thing happened,clunking noise to find yet another crack. The van has 130,000 miles has some body rust,but no reason for something critical like this to be happening.
Clunking noise in the front end. Dealer inspected and found strut rod bushing retainer loose and the subframe cracked. Repairs not covered under warranty, suspected that failures due to earlier transmission work on vehicle. Ford contacted.
When traveling approximately 55mph or more vehicle would vibrate. Went to dealer & had the wheels changed 5 different times. The steering wheel would shake, but vehicle was controlable. There would be clunking noise going into drive or reverse. Has been an intermittent problem.