Three problems related to steering tie rod assembly have been reported for the 1997 Lincoln Continental. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
When turning there's a groaning noise. Left outer tie rod seized to a lubrication issue. Dealership replaced the both outer tie rods.
Tie rod ends replaced, front end realigned, steering making noise and dealer claimed that steering rack needs replaced to cost $500. 00, dealer claimed repairs not subject to warrantly nor recall. Upon research, I find that Lincoln has issued service bulletins for both defects. I paid for the work to replace the tie rod ends and have not have had the steering work done as I think it should be Lincoln's responsibility. These failures were at low miles 51,408 and because of the service bulletins, Lincoln is aware of these problems.
Owner states while driving down road the tie rod end broke. Owner notes when he went to look at the problem he noticed that there was no lug: nut holding rod.