Steering issues 95 Windstar

[SonOfDolomite]

Hey all, just found this board and I need all the help I can get! The current issue is the power steering. When I turn the wheel to the right, either moving or stationary, there is a loud squeal/rubbing type noise coming from somewhere, but I can quite zero in exactly where its coming from. Ive checked the fluid level for the PS, and its full, but its probably been a while since the system has acutally been flushed, would that be the first area I should concentrate?

[lewisnc100]

Flushing your power steering first is a good place to start, but you might check out your tie-rod ends as well. I injected mine with grease via a grease needle and no more squeek.

[rodeo02]

A flush took care of the noisy power steering pump on my 2001. At 35Kmi is was pretty dirty. Make sure you use Mercon V, or whatever your pump specs. Don't use generic "power steering fluid"! Like lewisnc100 says, also check for anything that is binding on the front end, tie rods, steering rack, strut tower bearings, etc.. Fords do seem to always have louder than usual power steering pumps, but squeeling, groaning is not normal.
G/luck
Joel

[SonOfDolomite]

Hey thanks guys, I tried looking under for any grease points, but was hard pressed to find any. Ill lift it and pull some tires off and give it a better looks, thanks again!

[lewisnc100]

Originally Posted by SonOfDolomite

Hey thanks guys, I tried looking under for any grease points, but was hard pressed to find any. Ill lift it and pull some tires off and give it a better looks, thanks again!

It's probably like our newer Windstars, sealed for life components. That's why I mentioned the grease needle, it will allow you to get grease into the tie-rod ends and ball joints with a small hole that seals itself. I doubt you'll be able to find a zirc fitting or plug anywhere. I also flushed my power steering fluid and replaced with synthetic Mobil 1 which should be able to stand the heat better.

[Rob27592]

You may have the same problem I had, the driver-side outter tie rod end. If you take the front tire off & hold the tie rod and have an assistant turn the steering wheel, you will feel the vibration in the tie rod. Ford had a problem with tie rod ends not only on the windstar but also on the expedition and Crown vic. I had a four wheel alignment done and paid the guy to go ahead and replace the tie rod end with one that has a grease fitting (the Ford tie rod end doesn't have one). It's been quiet ever since.

[rodeo02]

Yep. Ford OEM front end components are notoriously short lived . It's unreal how FMC has gotten away with that over the years . Like Rob says, aftermarket front end components with grease fittings are much better suited for a heavy van like this.
G/luck
Joel

[SonOfDolomite]

Very cool, well looks like its time to fork out more money on this van... heh. Thanks again for the info!