Power steering problems

midnitez · 08-10-2008, 07:59 PM

Can anybody tell me why I have power steering fluid coming out from around the right side steering gear boot of my 98 Windstar? Do I need a complete rack and pinion unit or is there something else that I need. I want to do it myself if I can but I don't want to replace anything that doesn't need to be replaced. Thanks for any help.

mark v · 08-10-2008, 09:39 PM

Sorry it sounds like a seal blew out and you will need a new or remanufactured rack, I don't think you can just buy a seal.

jburnside · 08-12-2008, 10:42 AM

Midnite,
I am going through the exact same situation with our 2001 Windstar. I had to buy a new rack & pinion (steering assembly). It cost me $185.00 + tax at Advance Auto Parts. It also carried a $200.00 core charge which you get back!

This is a farily involved repair. It took my brother and I about 3 hours to get the old one out. You need to remove the 2 large bolts that connect the rear support to the body. You let that sag about 4 inches and then you remove the sway bar. Then you can get at the rack & pinion. You will also have to remove the tie rod ends and a couple of hose fittigs from the rack itself. After all that is out of the way you remove the 2 large nuts that retain the rack to the front support. This was a major pain in the a$$. I suggest you have a really large bar to add to the end of your ratchet to break them loose. Good luck.

midnitez · 08-13-2008, 04:44 AM

Thanks guys. Started tearing it out last night. Got it all unhooked before I had to pick the boy up from football practice. Just have to pull it out and put the new one in. Advance quoted me $98. Not bad. But it is a major PITA. The hardest part for me is finding the time to do it, with work and everything else going on.

BillsCatz · 08-13-2008, 07:22 AM

You folks are right on the ball. A couple days ago my Windstar started making groaning noises when I turned the wheel -- last time I heard that sound, the PS pump on my Chevy was almost empty due to a leaky line -- and sure enough. I was planning to jack it up to take a look this morning and now know what to look for...

I really don't have a place to do this and will likely end up bringing it to my usual repair shop. So the next question... Anyone have this done at a shop and what did it cost?

Thanks,
Bill

mark v · 08-13-2008, 05:49 PM

When ever you order parts from Advance Auto go to their website and see what the prices are on the website. Also check for store availability on the website cause they share a website with Checker/Shucks and Cragen.

I have found parts can be cheaper on the website so I always print out the page from the website and get my parts cheaper by showing them that they are advertised cheaper online. You can also pay for parts online and pick them up at the store if they have any issues giving you the lower price. Wheel Cylinders were $10 online and over $20 at the store, that was a $20 savings for me.

Anyway back on topic.

Glad to see you are doing the job by yourself, excellent way to feel good you saved some cash too.