Power Steering Hose, Piping, And Connections Problems of Ford Windstar

Power steering return line from rack to cooler rubbed on frame of 98 Ford Windstar until a hole resulted in loss of most ps fluid. Drastic loss of fluid occurred descending blue ridge mountains. Windstar had about 125,000 miles, and the damage to the hose was not visible from normal inspection. Fluid sprayed over hot engine parts but did not ignite.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Sudden power steering leak. Main leak from low pressure hose, but found that rusted high pressure hose fitting also leaking a bit; and seal(s) of rack & pinion leaking into dust boot(s). Had to replace hoses & rack/pinion at 81,000 miles -- 98 Windstar.

The return line corroded near the r&p valve,Ford told me it would take approx. 10 to 30 days due to nationwide backorder I am worried that,due to such a backorder ther is defect in that part. Another reason for concern is that I had to get the part from an auto recycling facility and noticed that a repair was made to the line exactly where my line failed due to corrosion. This is my family sole means of transportation ,any research or findings would be greatly appreciated.

Fluid from power steering system leaked onto some hot engine component, probably the exhaust system, and produced a rolling fire at the rear of the engine compartment below the firewall. Vehicle was being parked in a parking space in front of a service station when fire erupted. My son who was inside the station, saw the fire and rushed out to warn us out of the vehicle. Station personnel brought a fire extinguisher and my sons (the other was driving) raised the hood and extinguished the fire. The fire was burning fiercely and was difficult to reach, but was extinguished before any fuel system components became involved. Smoke had come from under the engine compartment twice previously during the day, but we assumed that the transmission had been overfilled and the excess was being vented and boiling off on the transmission. I called Ford with the assumption that excess transmission fluid was leaking and was told that the transmission would probably be alright. Since this was my mother's funeral, we decided to continue in the vehicle to the cemetery. Smoke again came from under the hood when we parked at the cemetery, but cleared quickly. We had driven about 10 miles from the cemetery when the fire occurred.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Windstar 🔎.

A leak developed in power steering rack which caused vehicle to shake when turning end eventually to lose all power assisted steering.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Windstar 🔎.

Vehicle is leaking power steering fluid around bushing. A mechanic examined vehicle, and stated that problem could be with rack and pinion system. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

While turning at a low speed, noticed a buzzing noise. Drove 4 miles to agency where van was purchased. Service tech. Stated it was a problem with the power steering pump. Advised not t drive van home. Next day, the tech. Stated that the power steer. Pump needed to be replace (cost of $320. ). Two days later, same problem but now with leaking fluid. Dealer refused to tow back to dealership, no rental car offered. Tech. States that the rack and pinion needs replacing - no cost. At same time, advised tech. That car "misfires" at start up, especially in cold weather. Car "scoped" at a cost of $60. Replaced "air-intake valve". Again, two days later, same problem occurs. Agency currently finding parts to replace various sensors. No car for over one week but dealer has provided a rental.

Hose was replaced at lee jarmon Ford in carrollton, TX (different from purchased dealer given above) in conjunction with a failed power steering pump replacement. Hose was original equipment sent from another dealer. Hose has built in bend causing it to contact exhaust manifold when installed and fail due to heat. Failed hose leaked fluid onto catalytic converter directly below and fire resulted. Due to proximity to a local car repair shop fire extinguishers were used to put it out immediately. A 2nd hose obtained from Ford has same bend. Lee jarmon has replaced with 2nd hose and restrained with nylon cable clamps from contacting exhaust. I have advised to use stainless steel clamp since proximity of exhaust will fail nylon clamps. This is clearly a design defect which will result in a fire to the next person who has a power steering hose replaced. My wife and 3 year old were saved by outside observers and the vehicle saved only by luck and quick acting car repair shop employees.

When making a left turn driver heard a unusual noise coming from front end of vehicle. Vehicle was taken to repair shop wher emechanic noticed that power steeriing fluid was leaking, and rack and pinion had completely blown out. Dealer replaced rack and pinion. Please give any further details.

The power steering hose failed.

Binding/klunking/groan when turning when cold weather working w/ Ford for over two years on problem /replaced rack, hoses /repositioned power steering hoses/ finally went to arbitration and Ford bought back vehicle before going to arbitration board.