97 Escort VERY loose steering all of a sudden..help please...

thoms_here · 04-07-2009, 06:24 PM

Hi all,

My daughter has a 97 Escort that became very loose to steer last night for no apparent reason. I drove it today and the steering is looser than I have ever seen on any car. The steering wheel has to turn over 1/2 way around (either way) before the wheels start to turn. It also makes a click when the wheels are finally turning.

Has anyone had this happen or know what it may be? I won't let her drive it till It's fixed.

PS: The car has been fixed from a front end collision.

Thanks for any help!

Thom

LastTudor · 04-07-2009, 07:11 PM

You have rack and pinion steering. Unless you have other parts literally hanging off of it, I'd say the rack unit has bad seals and needs replaced.

thoms_here · 04-08-2009, 03:30 PM

Thanks LastTudor for the input. This thing is (dollaring) us to death and we are running out of said dollars.

If anyone else has any suggestion please let me know.

Another question.... If the rack seals are bad, will they show any type of fluid leak?

Thanks again,

Thom

ElectrolysisDoc · 04-08-2009, 04:23 PM

I think LastTudor is right, however, check the steering shaft down by the brake pedal just to make sure the "pin" (it's actually a bolt) is in, tight, and secure.

ElectrolysisDoc · 04-08-2009, 04:26 PM

You could also jack up the front wheels and examine the steering linkage from underneath.

And you ARE going to use jack stands right?

LastTudor · 04-10-2009, 06:41 PM

I hope you report back. It would be nice to know if we're right or wrong. It might help the next guy.