Seven problems related to power steering fluid have been reported for the 1999 Ford Windstar. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Contact states that there was a loud noise in the power steering that got worse when turning. It was getting harder to turn. It felt like it was slipping at times. There were metal filings in the power steering fluid. Dealer replaced the power steering gear and a pump. She was told the power steering was leaking fluid. She was still hearing a slight noise when she turns to the left. Manufacture has not been contacted yet.
Left rear and left front hub and bearing assemblies began making loud humming/grinding sounds suddenly at 51,000 miles. Ford dealership diagnosed and replaced defective hub and bearing assemblies for the standard price as it is no longer under warranty. This item should last much longer without failing. Steering pump began intermittently making whining/hissing sounds when the slightest turning input was applied. By the time the failed power steering pump was diagnosed, and the whining was constant, it had caused the rack and pinion seals to fail and steering fluid to leak from the rack and pinion sleeves. When steering fluid got low and steering was no longer power assisted, my wife almost had a collision with a vehicle full of children. Not trusting Ford anymore, I ordered the parts myself and hired a local mechanic to replace the power steering pump and rack and pinion. In most vehicles these components should last beyond 100,000 miles. Upon further investigation I found that failing power steering pumps, leading to failed rack and pinion seals, is a consistent problem on 1999 Windstars, and that Ford is aware of the problem and trying avoid addressing it.
As my wife was backing our Ford Windstar into the driveway, a spray of hot oil came from the driver side tire and hit me on the right leg not serious but turned my leg red for a short time. Appears to be power steering fluid as she finished backing up the vehicle into the driveway, the car was making a horrible groaning noise. Have added a couple of ounces of power steering fluid into the resevoir. Will drive or maybe have vehicle towed to repair shop.
Consumer stated that the power steering fluid constantly leaks diminishing ability to proper control vehcile while driving. Mechanic advised that the steering "shield" failed causing the fluid loss. Mr.
A leak developed in power steering rack which caused vehicle to lose all power assisted steering. Dealership has examined vehicle, and was repairing the problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Consumer states that power steering fluid is leaking fast causing the steering wheel to be inoperable. Please provide any additional information. Ts.
When making turns steering is very tight due to power steering fluid leaking from vehicle. Rack and pinion steering was replaced.