Strut bearings

Hi all

I believe I have a strut bearing issue. Please tell me if I am wrong.

I notice a strange noise when turning the wheel. Its a grind then release sound,

I went and took a look as my wife turned the wheel and observed what the strut was doing.

As my wife turned the wheel, the rotation of the strut seemed to bind, then let go, moving and making a grunt sound. So it looks like the rotation binds and gives, binds and gives.

Would you all say that this is a strut bearing issue? Do you think it is a safety issue? Or can I drive it? I am wondering what would happen after awhile driving it this way.

thanks all

I would correct the problem as it could develop into a serious safety issue if it gets worse.
The problem could be the strut bearing, or the lower ball joint, or a tie rod end.
Dry tie rod ends are very common.....as the FORD ones have no grease fittings.

I have mentioned my use of a grease needle in the general windstar information post at the top of the forum page.
That is the ONLY fix for the tie rod ends, lower ball joints and sway bar links that I know of....short of replacement......which, if they have gotten as bad as you mention....very likely needs to be done anyhow...if it has worn to the point of giving extra "play".

Strut Bearing replacement requires removal of the strut assembly.....which requires compressing the front suspension spring.....which should be done ONLY with the special spring compression tools.

Personally, if I was going to have that done.....I would give serious consideration to replacing the strut also..... (but then I have a '96 with is now a senior citizen in the vehicle world)
In fact, Monroe recently came out with their "quick strut" unit that contains their "sensa-trac" strut, new coil spring, etc all as 1 unit....for the Windstar.
I have not read anything (good or bad) as to the quality of the unit.

A link to Monroe's information
http://www.monroe.com/products/mp_detail.asp?cat=0&detail=Quick%20Strut

Thanks Wiswind.

I am pretty sure it’s the strut bearing. The knuckle moves, the spring builds torsion, and then it is released when the top of the spring releases. I can see it happen.

The ball joints were ok last May. I checked them when I replaced the tie rods (which were making that squeeky noise). They might be bad now, but as I said above, I can see that the knuckle side moves freely and that the bibding is coming from the top of the strut somewhere.

This sounds exactly like my problem:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/t522930-strut_bearing_problem.html (http://www.automotiveforums.com/t522930-strut_bearing_problem.html)

But it looks like from the above, that the bearing didn't solve the problem? They were speaking of a thrust bearing. Is that the same as the Strut Bearing?

There was also a TSB on something that sounded like this issue. They added some rubber isolator thingy I believe. I was wondering what I should attempt to do. My wife does not appreciate the sound.