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#1
08-02-2010, 12:26 PM
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99 Windstar steering pinion seems to slip
When making any sharp turn, I hear a metallic pop and then the steering wheel is at a different position to go straight. I believe the pinion gear is slipping on the rack. My Haynes Automotive Repair manual is not very descriptive on this repair. Is it advisable to attempt this one myself? I'm pretty good but no professional. I've done water pumps, brakes, alternators, etc. Please give advice on what repairs need done and how! Thank you.
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#2
08-06-2010, 07:28 PM
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Re: 99 Windstar steering pinion seems to slip
I took it in to my local ford dealer (Delavan, IL- real honest guys)
My subframe was totally rusted through. Scary. Having a used one installed for $220 part, $450 labor. Ouch.
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#3
08-07-2010, 12:24 AM
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Re: 99 Windstar steering pinion seems to slip
I bought a new sub-frame (years ago) and have yet to install the thing. My problem is not rust ... but hitting so much crap on the highway that the front edge of the frame is bent up close to the exhaust and engine. I plan to give the new one an extra protective coating before installation. I feel for you folks that live in high-rust/road-salt areas ... how do you keep any thing metallic on the highway?
I hope the replacement sub-frame fixes your steering problem ... but it sounds awfully like the rack and pinion is failing. No time to waste if this is the case ... you don't want what a total rack failure can do you. I've replaced mine twice ...first a Ford replacement .. then one from AutoZone. I suggest AutoZone. And be sure to replace the mount bushings at the same time ... they get worn pretty soon.
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#4
08-09-2010, 09:57 AM
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Re: 99 Windstar steering pinion seems to slip
Were there any other symptoms besides what I described? I have had no steering probs at all until last week when I encountered this. I will first replace sub-frame, then deal with what comes next.
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#5
08-09-2010, 11:09 AM
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Re: 99 Windstar steering pinion seems to slip
Mime would develop "hard spots" somewhere between the left and right stops ... usually somewhere around center. And it could be very hard to steer thru these hard spots ... usually with snapping popping noises ...scary! But mine never got bad enough for the wheel to lose location.
Besure to look on this forum for experiences of others ... and beware of those hold-down bolts .... they don't turn!!!
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