if you have had any problems with your rack and pinnon or steering. Mine is 20 months old and has 29,700 miles on it?

Trying to find out what the problem is since the Ford Service Departments do not know.

Also, is it common for Ford to use refurbished parts?

There was a TSB covering 98 - 2001 Windstars for steering fluid leaks from the rack and pinion end seals so I think you'll find plenty of other owners with this problem. Sounds like the issue continued into the later years as well. The TSB called for the power steering rack to be replaced with a revised steering rack once the leak was confirmed from the end seals.

Yes, when Ford installs some parts under warranty they do use refurbished parts. :sunglasse