Steering Tie Rod Assembly problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar

I had a metalic grinding noise when I steered to the right or left. I took it to my Ford dealer for repair and found that the right and left tie rod ends were binding and had to be replaced. I have always had my van lubricated and have found out that these tie rods have no grease fitting for lubrication. I view this as a safety hazard and could result in a serious accident if left unattended.

Both front tie-rods totally failed and had to be replaced at only 50,000 miles.

1998 Ford Windstar I had to have the front tie rod ends replaced twice with only 47k miles. From what I understand talking to repair garages this seems to be a common problem with Windstar vans.

When making turns in either direction there was a loud grinding noise. While at dealership to have a recall performed, mechanic noticed front tie rod joints needed to be replaced. No grease at all on joints.

Tie rod end started to wear and made a squeaking sound when making a turn. Dealer contacted.

The outer tie rods created a grinding noise when the vehicle turned at low speeds and likely due to lack of adequate lubrication. The failure of the right inner tie rod was much more serious, in that it created a very bad vibration at highway speeds, was a scary situation, and could very well have resulted in loss of vehicle control.

Consumer took vehicle to repair shop because front tire tires were balled inside. Mechanic told consumer that upper ball joints and tire rod ends were defective. Consumer replaced them. There was no accident.

While vehicle is in operation and making any type of turn, there is a loud "metal to metal" sound coming from front of vehicle. A private mechanic has replaced tie rod in an effort to repair problem.

Tie rod ends are failing. Dealership service representative advised us this model was designed with no lubrication fittings; and that failure typically occurs between 50 to 60 thousands miles. I consider this a hazard that was deliberately designed into the vehicle in order to save money at the expense of the consumers safety.

Dealer had to replace both outer tie rods and adjust front toe. Steering started to bind when making a left hand turn, and van steering had felt loose up to the point of failure.

The tie rod ends failed. Yh.

A loud grinding noise started occurring when the whell was turned. My wife said she heard the noise and thought she needed power steering fluid. I put a little in but the noise didn't go away. Took van to dealer. They called and said the outer tie rods were bad and grinding metal to metal. Had them replaced. When my wife picked up the van, the repair person said to her that since there were no grease joints, so there was nothing I could have done. He said that Ford said it was a bad design and they had a model to replace it. This didn't sound good to me and I wondered why I had to pay for their bad design. If the tie rods were grinding metal to metal, it could have led to a break and steering failure.

Every 3,000 mile front tie rod end breaks which may cause loss of vehicle control. Been replaced 3times. Dealer cannot determine caus eof the problem. Please provide further information.

While driving consumer heard a groaning noise. Tie rod ends were cracked. Vehicle will be taken to the dealer for further assessment.

Was driving vehicle & it would go into a low depression. A boring noise could be heard from the springs. It was an intermitten problem. Took to dealer & mechanic could not locate cause of noise. Did change the bushings & struts. Noise in front end over bumps due to both outer tie rod failure.

Would hear squealing/howling noises coming from the steering area. Steering was inoperative. Would have no control of vehicle. Took it to dealer & informed consumer tie rod ends have worn out excessively due to a lack of lubricant. No grease fittings.

When driving or making a left or right hand turn consumer noticed a clicking noise. Contacted the dealer. Dealer noted that outer tie rods need to be replaced on both sides, driver and passenger.

While braking there was a clanking noise in front end. Took vehicle to Ford, Ford replaced subframe bushings and tie rod ends. Please provide any further information. Ts.

The vehicle had noise in the front end. The dealer indicated that the noise was due to tie rod end failures.