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Comments
Until very recently, we have been extremely pleased with the car in all respects, with the exception of gas milage (but I guess that comes with the changeover from 4 cyl to 6 cyl. and we do appreciate the improved acceleration). However, this past week, and for the first time, my wfe (principal operator) noticed a whinning sound and discovered the power steering fluid to be low. Adding fluid did not resolve the problem and a Ford dealership advised us that the power steering rack required replacement. Cost: $750.00!
I am 61 years of age and have owned numerous vehicles and have never experienced any problem with a power steering rack in any automobile. The '99 Taurus has been well maintained. The dealership indicated it might be able to help us out somewhat, and I was wondering if anyone was aware of any service bulletin(s) covering this specific problem. Admitedly, the car is out of the 36,000 or 36 month warrantry, but one does not expect to encounter major repair problems at 46,000 miles. I would also be interested in hearing from other late model Taurus' owners who have experienced this problem.
Thanks,
B. Cutcliffe
Can you get a second opinion? I only ask because Ford power steering pumps are notorious for being noisy. Have been for years. The one in my '83 LTD was also noisy (sounded just like the one in my '98 Taurus). It's kind of a whine/groan, and it gets a bit louder when you turn the wheel. You tend to hear it only at idle or at low speeds.
Do you have any other symptoms (like hard steering, binding steering, big leaks on the ground, etc)? If the only things you see are noise and low fluid, it may be normal. Note that you can get a fluid drop if the reservoir is overfilled--it will leak out when it gets hot, and eventually the level will drop. If you only see a smear of fluid around the neck of the filler, that may be what happened. Do you see any signs of a large leak either under the hood or on the ground?
I'd see if there are any other signs that the rack is bad (leaks at other than the pump itself, crunching noises, hard steering, pulls that don't come from the road surface or tires, etc.) and maybe get a second opinion. The only time I've ever heard of a bad rack is on cars that are several years old and/or very high mileage. Add to that the fact that the Taurus pump (at least the one on the Vulcan engine--non-Duratech) is typically noisy, and you may not have a problem at all.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I think it's time to part with this car...... Your thoughts...
The car only has 63k miles, anyone else have this part go on them?
There was a recall on 2000s for fuel pumps. Mine was replaced just before I picked up the car (former fleet car). I assume you know this since you've seen the dealer a time or two.
That service guide from Ford is the only list to go by. Doesn't hurt to check the front suspension out, but it's not a required item by Ford.
Oil change is 3000 miles for severe service (dusty conditions, stop and go in 90+ degree temps, police/limo/taxi service, short trips in the cold weather) or 5000 for standard service.
I should have let Ford dealer replace my ignition sw. The local dealer has a lifetime warranty for their repairs, so that would be a consideration, but their mech. are not the best, IMO.
Need another switch, the one in now has only 20k miles. This switch can cause msg. lights to stay on.
I'm wondering,if somebody experienced same type of
problem.How did you fix it?
BTW,I've been at dealer,he replaced me switch on the steering column. But this problem still exist?
where this relay located,I guessing under dash LH of the vehicle.Do you know where the flasher located?
Any ideas? I'm not doing anything until it does it again.
I really like everything else about this car but find that even with tire pressures correct and after a 4 wheel alignment, the vehicle wanders enough on all roads at all speeds to be annoying and feels like it has a "dead spot" on the dead center steering wheel position. I recently test drove a used '97 GL model with 78K miles for comparison and I did not experience the same "slop" at steering wheel dead center. However, I then test drove a '97 SHO on the same Ford dealer lot and it felt like it did have the same slop in the steering linkage as mine does. While travelling at any speed, I can move the steering wheel about one inch back and forth without causing the direction of travel to change at all. This is too loose for my liking. Is this typical of Tauruses with the 24 valve V-6 or the SHO V-8? Are there different types of rack and pinion steering gear systems present on Tauruses, i.e., do some higher trim levels models of Taurus have variable ratio power steering while maybe entry level models do not? Might this have something to do with the symptoms I am experiencing? Can the rack and pinion be adjusted to eliminate endplay? I sure would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has any insight or experience with this issue. I certainly hope there is a solution to tighten up the steering feel on my vehicle. Thanks in advance for your response. --- TGF1954
My steering was fine, so I can't comment on that. My car does not have any noticeable play in the steering at any speed. I do know that my car (with the base Vulcan V6) does have variable rate power steering (as do the 24V and SHO engines); the pump is the only difference (I'm not sure about the rack). The '97s probably also have the variable rate PS as well. It should just give you more boost at lower speeds, but not change the play or road feel much.
I'd start with the tires. They may well cause your steering feel problems. Just because they look fine and have good tread left doesn't mean that they are OK. This problem is internal and has to do with the belts in the tire (usually). My car had the pull at 11,000 miles, and the tires had plenty of tread (they still looked OK at 25,000 when the problem was finally fixed).
See if rotating the fronts to the back makes any difference in how the car behaves, and/or switch the right and left fronts. If the wander seems to go away when you swap front/rear or gets stronger on the other side when you swap left/right, you can pretty much assume it's a tire problem.
You may want to replace the G4S anyway, and if you do, go with a touring tire. That alone will improve the steering response (I like the BF Goodrich Comp T/A HR4s, which I had on my last car and which will go on the Taurus when I need tires--the G4Ss are now okay).
Hope this is helpful.
They are Air filter, MAF sensor, fuel filter (if you experince the same symptoms on HGWY), fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump and might be dirty fuel injectors.
Hope this provides some insight.
When the key is turned all I hear is a click. I swapped the battery with a known good battery. Checked the cable from the battery to the starter, looks - OK. Is the starter relay part of the starter. After working on the battery and checking the cable the vechile will not start.
Thanks.
I've replaced the Taurus A/C, both front and rear stabilizers, and engine oil leak caused by a bad gasket. I would rate the Taurus as average. Mine has 97K. I'm not buying domestic American Car Company vehicles anymore. Japanese quality is better and that includes those made in the USA by US citizens.
I don't understand what you mean by the Camry runs better. Seems to me that is subjective.The quality gap been American verse japanese nameplates has been closing. Considering you will pay more for the japanese nameplates you'll probably never get your more back if you think you'll save it through less repairs and routine maintenance.
I see you drive a Nissan so right there you have a bias. Show me some proof that they last longer! Cost two to three times more to own! That is a ridiculous statement.
Why am I discussing this with you? Out!
I know a friend that bought a 98 camry and got 20k out of the original tires.