Bill Donovan

We own a 98 windstar and love everything about it, however we have some thumping noise on the left front wheel area( that sounds like a metal rod hitting a coil spring) when the van goes over a bump or hits a small gully in the road. We have changed the sway bar links and have had a mechanic check the bushings and everything seems tight. Everyone hears the noise but can't find out what is causing it. There is no visable sign of anything being hit. We are planning a trip to Florida and would like to find and fix the problem before our trip. Any advise? Thanks

giagl01

I have the same problem with my 2002. It only has 1400 miles on it.
Its going to the dealer next week.

Let me know if you find out anything

my email is glenn@teksafe.com

Thanks

Glenn Gianino

SoCalCarCulture

You might check the tie rods ends - I changed mine and it solved that problem.

fordman123

You might want to check the subframe bolts/bushings.
This has been an issue of noise on the Windstar.
I believe the bolts are 18mm.

Hope this helps!
Fordman123

__________________
Technical Consultant

louisj

I had the same problem with my 98. It was a spring guard that hit the plastic that keeps the road spray from going into the engine area. They are suppose to trim it when they installed the guards.

Patj

Don't be overly calm about this condition!!

Had front springs replaced via recall on my '95 Windstar.
Had cracking noise on turning in '96 Windstar.

Took to dealer ...(you-know...)
“Everything's okay except we need to weld the radius arm bushing in sub-frame... $256...!”

2 days later turned my wheel to back out of driveway:
Loud CRACK!!!
TIRE PUNCTURE!!!
Front spring BROKE and punctured tire!
Frame fell to the ground!!

Flatbed to tow to dealer -

“ah, oh-yeah...(silent) recall for front springs.
We’ll replace the tire and everything – sorry about that”

Would have pounded them for tow if insurance hadn’t picked it up.
Searched on web and found EXACT same problem reported a number of times on several model years.

Do the math - if I had to make a quick lane change around a vehicle at 70mph and that happened...

Think Ford would have offered to take responsibility after they had to scrape the burned remains of my Windstar and me from the concrete abutment?

Hammer at this issue until it's absolutely resolved, to protect you and your family. Don't make your survivors have to take an out-of-court settlement!
I truthfully am concerned for your well-being.

You don't have to take my word for it...
http://www.safetyalerts.com/recall/a/013/v514.htm

Notice that it is for 97-98, but they covered my '95 & '96!!

or:
http://www.carfax.com/cfm/sample_junk_srr.cfm

Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 948,492
NHTSA campaign number: 01I007000
Defective part or component: SUSPENSION:I-BEAM:SOLID:FRONT SPRING:COIL

Description: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the Safety Act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle Description: 1995-1998 Ford Windstar minivans. The front coil springs could potentially fracture due to corrosion. Some tires have deflated due to contact with a broken spring. Ford is extending the warranty for front coil spring replacement to a total of 10 years of service from the warranty start date, with unlimited mileage. This coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners at no charge. If either front coil spring fractures during the coverage period noted above, the dealer will replace both springs at no charge to the owner.


Patj