Power Steering Pump problems of the 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis

While driving steering locked up and became hard to steer, luckily I was driving the car and not my wife, she would not have been able to steer car. Mechanic looked at and said it doesn't appear to be the power steering pump. Looks like steering shaft. Mechanic said he's seen this in Ford and Mercury, said they have had recalls on this problem. Called Ford, said no recall for 2004, yet 2005 and 2006 have been recalled for steering shaft problems.

The left hand (driver side) heat shield that covers the exhaust manifold has completely rusted at the bolting points causing the cover to dislodge and drag against the steering shaft . Several timse while turning at intersections, especially when making left turns, the steering would temporarily lock up for a few seconds making turning extremely hazardous. Once I almost struck another vehicle due to the steering being locked while turning. I initially suspected low power steering fluid but fluid checked correct and pump seems to be working fine. I did not notice the rusted cover pinned between the steering shaft and manifold until I removed the engine cover and air intake tubing to access the spark plugs. I removed the rusted shield and the car turns just fine now. I have the rusted shield available for inspection if needed. Thanks.

The contact owns a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving 5 mph, the steering wheel became extremely hard to turn. The contact checked the power steering fluid, and the fluid was at the proper level. A mechanic power flushed the power steering fluid; however, the problem continued to occur. As of July 24, 20007, the vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 18,500 and the current mileage was 18,900. Updated 0201/08. The power steering pump was replaced with a re-built pump. Updated.