The contact owns a 1998 Ford Windstar. While driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and made a winding noise. The vehicle was taken to several mechanics for inspection and it was discovered that the rack and pinion failed and was leaking fluid. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Tampa, FL, USA

Steering rack failure.

- Seattle, WA, USA

When turning left or right, the driver heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front. The driver has difficulty making turns, the steering wheel locks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced.

- Saginaw, TX, USA

I have replaced the rack and pinion steering twice and the power steering pump once on my 1998 Ford Windstar.

- Ozark, MO, USA

Rack and pinion steering was replaced at 50,000 miles at dealer for a cost of $1,500, and it failed again. Steering rack should not malfunction in such a short period of time. Also, boot leaks caused power steering pump to malfunction.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

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.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Rack and pinion steering has failed. There was a recall issued on the description, but this vehicle was not included.

- Mason City, IA, USA

Consumer complained about having problems with vehicle, rack an pinion steering locking.

- San Jose, CA, USA

Consumer stateed both front tie rods failed and were replaced, also the steering rack was replaced.

- West Springfield, MA, USA

Rack and pinion steering is leaking fluid, and is causing consumer to have problems with power steering. It will be hard to control the vehicle. Dealer notified.

- St Clair Shores, MI, USA

This vehicle has the same problem with rack and pinion steering as stated in recall # 97 V165 000. But, this vehicle is not included in recall due to VIN.

- Novato, CA, USA

While diving and making left or right turns steering wheel will make a loud noise. Dealer has been notified. Mechanic stated bolts on rack and pinion steering are coming loose.

- Baytown, TX, USA

I have had 5 steering racks replaced since Sept 2000. I cannot get anyone to help me with this problem.

- Wilmington, MA, USA

Rack and pinion assembly began leaking power steering fluid. Had to replace rack-and-pinion assembly and power steering pump.

- Barling, AR, USA

The steering rack and pinion failed and had to be replaced. I am told by my mechanic this is unusual for a vehicle with this mileage. I also found that Ford had a recall for the steering rack, put into vehicles manufactured in September 1997. My vehicle was manufacured in June 1997. Perhaps I had one on the bad ones put in before the problem was caught. Anyway it cost me $667 fr the repair.

- Stony Point, NY, USA

Ford is saying its my responsibility cause the warranty has lapsed but the car is only three years old. No safety defec tlisted.

- Newark, OH, USA

Internal rack and pinion problem with the steering, difficulty aligning the vehicle, after two alignment steering still squealing and pulling to the left.

- Capistrano Beach, CA, USA

It was hard to steer vehicle, and it was noisy. Consumer went to an independent mechanic who found that fluid in rack and pinion was very dirty. Shaft bearings and gears were damaged by fluid again after they test drove vehicle. Consumer contacted Ford regarding recall 97V165000/manufacturer's recall 97S85. But this vehicle was not included, due to VIN.

- Rochester, NY, USA

Rack and pinion steering may have a damaged input shaft bearing from a service bulletin owners letter # 97S85.also, bulletin was given by the dealer. Consumer's vehicle was experiencing similar problems, but Ford stated nothing could be done until there was a recall.

- Andover, MA, USA

While driving vehicle becomes very difficult to steer, vehicle rides extremely rough, and at times is hard to control. Dealer states that problem occurs within rack and pinion.

- New Hartford, CT, USA