Steering noise

[chaffins]

Hopefully some here can help! I have 2000 Windstar (3.8) that makes a lot of noise when turning to the right. I've changed the power steering fluid which was almost black and no help. It make a little noise turning left but nothing close to the right. Any help would be GREAT!

Thanks

[12Ounce]

When you turn from straight-ahead to the right, the right wheel goes thru a larger angle than does the left. Conversely for the other side.

So I'm going to guess that some RH suspension joint, likely the tie rod end, is squealing for grease. These joints have no grease fittings provided but you can purchase a needle adapter for a grease gun that will allow you to get some lub into the various dust boots. After the grease hypo, give the boots a little massage ... it works wonders.

I'm speaking of "suspension" dust boots... tie rod ends, lower control arms. Not steering racks or half-shafts.

[wiswind]

I agree with the grease needle idea.
I have done this.
You can buy the needle at most auto parts stores.....look in the section with the grease guns, etc.
The grease comes out of that little needle faster than one would think.....you want to stop as soon as the boot starts to swell very slightly.....or when any grease squirts out.
The point is.....the joint can make noise.....OR the power steering can make noise due to an increased load from a non-lubricated pivot point.

Also.... Make sure that you do NOT use power steering fluid in your windstar power steering. I think that your power steering calls for Mercon (Not Mercon V as your tranny must have). My '96 calls for a "type F" fluid.
Double check your fluid level......and make sure that it is within the full range on the dipstick. It is possible that some air has gotten into the system.
To purge the air from they system....
1. Make sure that the fluid is within the full range on the dipstick.
2. With the engine at idle....turn the wheel all the way to the stop one way.....and then turn all the way to the stop the other way. Repeat this several times. Do NOT hold the steering wheel against the stops as this is a very hight load on the pump and the rest of the power steering system.
3. Recheck the fluid level....as if you did purge any air....the level may have gone down slightly. Do not overfill.

[mstnate]

I had a similiar problem that was fixed by installing a spacer on the strut tower bearing and replacing the bearing itself. I am not sure what caused it to go out of whack, but ford has a part to fix it so it is obviously a known problem.

Check into that.

[chaffins]

Thanks for all of the input. I'm going to check it out this weekend, I'll let you know how it goes.

[mwedding]

I bought my windstar with steering noise, fully expecting to have to replace something big (rack, steering pump). I found the noise was coming from inside the wheel area. I had the vehicle on jack-stands, and had my son turning the wheel back and forth.... The noise in my van was there with the engine on and off both.
The tie rod ends from the factory are sealed so that it is difficult to lubricate. My van had about 85K miles on it so I replaced the outter tie rod ends (2 x $25). Problem went away, and I was happy knowing that I had saved a bundle.

[sbendigo]

I am having the same problem as chaffins.

i will try to do the lube first and let you know if it works..