Four problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When we first took our Windstar in the front end was making a growling & grinding noise, and the transmission was shifting hard and jumping. The dealership checked the transmission out they said everything appeared to be normal, but they check the transmission fluid and it had "metal" in it. They also tols us that the front left & right tie rods needed to be replaced because they "had a defect" . The dealership has replaced the transmission in my van 2 times now, it still does not shift like it should but they "can't get it to duplicate" and now they want to "flush" my power steering fluid they say the power steering fluid has broken down. When I questioned them about this thay tell me this is normal. I have checked with several independant mechanics and they tell me that my power steering pump is going bad, or the rack & pinion is going out. There has to be something causing this. This van is not 2 years old yet and there are to many problems with this vehicle.
Transmission is shifting hard and rough, it makes a slamming noise while going into each gear.
Tried to shift gears. Hard to shift into park properly. Makes loud noises when shifting. Also, brakes make loud noises when applied.
Transmission makes a loud clunking noise when shifting from part to reverse.