A leak developed in power steering rack which caused vehicle to shake when turning end eventually to lose all power assisted steering.

- Gaithersburg, MD, USA

Vehicle is leaking power steering fluid around bushing. A mechanic examined vehicle, and stated that problem could be with rack and pinion system. Please provide any additional information / documentation.

- Mount Carmel, IL, USA

While turning at a low speed, noticed a buzzing noise. Drove 4 miles to Agency where van was purchased. Service tech. Stated it was a problem with the power steering pump. Advised not T drive van home. Next day, the tech. Stated that the power steer. Pump needed to be replace (cost of $320.). two days later, same problem but now with leaking fluid. Dealer refused to tow back to dealership, no rental car offered. Tech. States that the rack and pinion needs replacing - no cost. At same time, advised tech. That car "misfires" at start up, especially in cold weather. Car "scoped" at a cost of $60. Replaced "air-intake valve". again, two days later, same problem occurs. Agency currently finding parts to replace various sensors. No car for over one week but dealer has provided a rental.

- Chino, CA, USA

Binding/klunking/groan when turning when cold weather working w/ Ford for over two years on problem /replaced rack, hoses /repositioned power steering hoses/ finally went to arbitration and Ford bought back vehicle before going to arbitration board

- Lisle, IL, USA

When making a left turn driver heard a unusual noise coming from front end of vehicle. Vehicle was taken to repair shop wher emechanic noticed that power steeriing fluid was leaking, and rack and pinion had completely blown out. Dealer replaced rack and pinion.

- Woodlynne, NJ, USA

Hose was replaced at lee jarmon Ford in carrollton, tx (different from purchased dealer given above) in conjunction with a failed power steering pump replacement. Hose was original equipment sent from another dealer. Hose has built in bend causing it to contact exhaust manifold when installed and fail due to heat. Failed hose leaked fluid onto catalytic converter directly below and fire resulted. Due to proximity to a local car repair shop fire extinguishers were used to put it out immediately. A 2nd hose obtained from Ford has same bend. Lee jarmon has replaced with 2nd hose and restrained with nylon cable clamps from contacting exhaust. I have advised to use stainless steel clamp since proximity of exhaust will fail nylon clamps. This is clearly a design defect which will result in a fire to the next person who has a power steering hose replaced. My wife and 3 year old were saved by outside observers and the vehicle saved only by luck and quick acting car repair shop employees.

- Carrollton, TX, USA