1998 windstar steering sticking - Ford Forums

terkaa · 10-29-2009, 08:51

I have 1998 windstar. It has some problem in steering. Steering is sticking near center position to both sides. sometimes when turning wheel from center there is also a clunk sound. I have replaced front strut upper bearings and also installed shim plate as TSB from Ford suggested. Anyone had similar problems? I am afraid it is in rack and pinion unit and it is quite expensive and hard to replace.

**rtg143** · 10-29-2009, 09:10

If you can get someone to turn the wheel while you listen to se where the noise is coming from, it will help to pinpoint the location. Can you get it to make the noise with the engine off?

terkaa · 10-29-2009, 12:41

We have tried this but it is very hard to hear where sound comes from. While driving and turning also a small vibration can be felt under left leg on car floor panel. Sound does not come when engine is not running. And also if I jack up car from body so that load is reduced from either wheel even a bit sound does not come and sticking is gone.

**rtg143** · 10-29-2009, 13:34

Try jacking it up as close to the wheel as posible and still be able to turn the wheel. That's with the rest of the vehicle on stands and tried one wheel at a time.