98 windstar Power Steering Failure. Please help

A couple of quick questions regarding power steering and the rack and pinion:

- Has anyone heard of the Rack and Pinion being the cause of Power Steering failure??

-Is there anything inline between the power steering pump and the rack and pinion??

I recently replaced my rack and pinion, which worked great for about 1000 miles then the following occured.
1: Power steering belt began chirping signifying that there was possible back pressure on the lines.
2: The power steering belt squeeled as if the pump had seized.
3: Something blew and power steering fluid went everywhere.
4: The power steering pump turns normally, leaking power steering fluid, no power steering function any more.

Any ideas or input as to what might be the cause of power steering failure would be greatly appreciated. (pump, lines, rack n pinion??)

Thanks,
Mike

A couple of quick questions regarding power steering and the rack and pinion:

- Has anyone heard of the Rack and Pinion being the cause of Power Steering failure??

-Is there anything inline between the power steering pump and the rack and pinion??

I recently replaced my rack and pinion, which worked great for about 1000 miles then the following occured.
1: Power steering belt began chirping signifying that there was possible back pressure on the lines.
2: The power steering belt squeeled as if the pump had seized.
3: Something blew and power steering fluid went everywhere.
4: The power steering pump turns normally, leaking power steering fluid, no power steering function any more.

Any ideas or input as to what might be the cause of power steering failure would be greatly appreciated. (pump, lines, rack n pinion??)

Thanks,
Mike


Mike

Did you flush the system when you replaced the rack? Debris from the old rack can ruin the new one.

I'd flush the system and replace the pump.

I don't think that there is anything inbetween the two units.

Regards

Dan

Thanks for the input Dan, The previous rack and pinion was not seized, it was making popping sound when turning. It is possible that there was partical build up from the previous, though. Is the reason for replacing the pump to be sure that all the debris is removed?
Thanks,
Mike

If you think the pump is still good try flushing the system just make sure you get all the air out or it will squall like mad.. On the 2001 model I have to use transmission fluid. not sure on your model at this time...

The power steering fluid lines on these Windstars, for whatever reason, are situated right on the engine block and the fluid heats up and cooks. I change mine at the end of every summer and while not as bad as the first time I did it at 30K, looks a lot like chocolate milk.

that's a big design flaw...

did they ever have a TSB on that?

something in the means of putting reflective heat wrap to that section of the p/s hose?

The power steering fluid lines on these Windstars, for whatever reason, are situated right on the engine block and the fluid heats up and cooks. I change mine at the end of every summer and while not as bad as the first time I did it at 30K, looks a lot like chocolate milk.
THANKS for pointing that out.>I never noticed..May look into for a mod for this..

Thanks for the info, sounds like little thought went into the design.

Do you know whether the pressure lines running to and from the pump are metal the whole distance?? Im not quite sure how to test to find where the pressure break was. It would seem that it would have happened at one of the junctions?? Where and how would you recommend looking for the pressure break??

Thanks

Thanks for the input Dan, The previous rack and pinion was not seized, it was making popping sound when turning. It is possible that there was partical build up from the previous, though. Is the reason for replacing the pump to be sure that all the debris is removed?
Thanks,
Mike

Mike

I thought you said that the pump was leaking. Apperently the leak was from anohter area.

I hope you get this figured out.

Dunbarton, good idea to change the fluid! I hadn't thought about the fact that it gets cooked.

You know, there is very little unoccuapided space under the hoods of vehicals today. I'm sure after things have been placed under the hood someone comes along and says "we need to add....." and the place that was tight gets tighter. Hind sight is 20/15.

Dan

I used a synthetic fluid to replace my power steering fluid when I changed it. You will need to use a "type F" or "mercon" Transmission fluid....depending on the year. If you need Mercon.....Mobil 1 ATF is very good. If you need a "Type F", Redline Synthetic Power Steering fluid lists the FORD specification numbers on the bottle. I have the Redline in my '96.
Do NOT use "Power Steering Fluid" from the auto parts stores. It is not correct for the windstar. My owners manual does call for Power Steering fluid....but lists a FORD part number......and then goes on to say something to the effect "or fluid meeting FORD specification #......".....and the specification number only converts to ATF.

You can also install a filter in the return line.......I have a filter that is made by Magnefine. It was the "delux" version that was about $24 at www.rockauto.com. The Magnefine filter sells under a lot of different brand names.

If you get any fluid onto the serpentine belt....it will need to be replaced....as it will likely fail. Also...any fluid onto the belt or pulleys will cause chirping and / or squeeling. I have been down this whole road....with a belt that was looking very good....and was less than a year old.....and very little fluid got onto it.

You do not want to over fill the power steering resevoir. The extra room is for expansion of the fluid....and to accomodate the extra fluid that ends up in the resevoir when you turn the steering wheel with the engine OFF.

great info, thanks for the input