20 problems related to steering rack and pinion have been reported for the 1998 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Steering rack failure.
When turning left or right, the driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. The driver has difficulty making turns, the steering wheel locks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.
Power steering pump, steering control system and rack defective has to be replced, rack and pinion was replaced already with only 30,000 miles.
The steering rack and pinion failed and had to be replaced. I am told by my mechanic this is unusual for a vehicle with this mileage. I also found that Ford had a recall for the steering rack, put into vehicles manufactured in September 1997. My vehicle was manufacured in June 1997. Perhaps I had one on the bad ones put in before the problem was caught. Anyway it cost me $667. 00 fr the repair.
This vehicle has the same problem with rack and pinion steering as stated in recall # 97 v165 000. But, this vehicle is not included in recall due to VIN.
Ford is saying its my responsibility cause the warranty has lapsed but the car is only three years old. No safety defec tlisted.
It was hard to steer vehicle, and it was noisy. Consumer went to an independent mechanic who found that fluid in rack and pinion was very dirty. Shaft bearings and gears were damaged by fluid again after they test drove vehicle. Consumer contacted Ford regarding recall 97v165000/manufacturer's recall 97s85. But this vehicle was not included, due to VIN.
Internal rack and pinion problem with the steering, difficulty aligning the vehicle, after two alignment steering still squealing and pulling to the left.
Rack and pinion steering assembly was not working properly. When turning to left or right there was loud grinding noise. Contacted garage, and garage ordered a new part, problem was remedied. The original equipment failed after two years and poor design is the cause. The consumer believes because of numerous failures of this equipment there should be a recall.
I have had 5 steering racks replaced since sept 2000. I cannot get anyone to help me with this problem.
Rack and pinion steering broke when traveling, causing poor steering control. Also, tie rods malfunctioned, almost was involved in a crash. Consumer has contacted dealer.
Consumer states power steering fluid stays low, consumer requested that it be checked for leaks, mechanic discovered that rack and pinion was leaking from left boot area, this part has failed 4 times.
Rack and pinion steering has failed. There was a recall issued on the description, but this vehicle was not included.
Consumer complained about having problems with vehicle, rack an pinion steering locking.
Rack and pinion steering may have a damaged input shaft bearing from a service bulletin owners letter # 97s85 . Also, bulletin was given by the dealer. Consumer's vehicle was experiencing similar problems, but Ford stated nothing could be done until there was a recall.
While driving vehicle becomes very difficult to steer, vehicle rides extremely rough, and at times is hard to control. Dealer states that problem occurs within rack and pinion.
Rack and pinion steering gears may have damaged input shaft bearing. Vehicle not included in recall 97v165001. Please give any further details.
While diving and making left or right turns steering wheel will make a loud noise. Dealer has been notified. Mechanic stated bolts on rack and pinion steering are coming loose.
Steering pump and rack and pinion failed.
When turning steering wheel left or right it will make a terrible grinding noise. Dealer has replaced rack and pinion steering, but noise has reoccurred again.