Power steering rack replacement - 1998 Ford Windstar

is their pressure to rack---also new doesnt mean free from defects can have a failed seal in rack ---air bound

Loose power steering pump drive belt or the power steering fluid is low.

alldata.com

or buy the FSM.

RTM.....under steering....

DISCONNECT TIE RODS ENDS FROM WHEEL HUB, DISCONNECT POWER STEERING HOSE FROM RACK AND PINION, DISCONNECT RACK AND PINION FRON LOWER ENGINE COMPARTMENT

There are few help links showing exact accurate procedure to replace Rack and Pinion. Click the link below and follow the procedure:-----
Pinion Seal Replace on Dodge Dakota? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/04/pinion-seal-replace-on-dodge-dakota.html

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How to Replace a Rear Pinion Seal.
http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-rear-pinion-seal.html
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How to replace Power steering rack and pinion gear on Chevy Silverado 2500 HD? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-power-steering-rack-and.html

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How to replace Power Rack and Pinion Steering Gear on Acura Car Models? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-replace-power-rack-and-pinion.html

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How to replace power rack and pinion steering gear on Toyota cruiser? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-power-rack-and-pinion.html

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How to replace Power Rack and Pinion Steering Gear on Acura Car Models? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-replace-power-rack-and-pinion.html


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Front Drive Pinion Seal Removal on Ford Explorer? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/front-drive-pinion-seal-removal-on-ford.html

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How to Replace Driveshaft, Pinion Flange & Seal?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-driveshaft-pinion-flange.html

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How to Replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear On 2007 Ford Taurus? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion.html


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How to Remove Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Ford Windstar? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-remove-power-rack-pinion.html

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Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear replacing details for Buick Park Avenue and Pontiac Bonneville

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/power-rack-pinion-steering-gear.html

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How to Replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Mercedes Benz Truck? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion.html


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How to replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Toyota 4Runner? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion_27.html

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Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear Replacing on Toyota Land Cruiser & Sequoia? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/power-rack-pinion-steering-gear.html

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Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear Removal on Toyota RAV4? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/power-rack-pinion-steering-gear-removal.html

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How to Replace Power Rack & Pinion Steering Gear on Toyota Sienna? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-power-rack-pinion.html

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These details will help.
Thanks.

if the rack and pinion was not leaking or causing problems. then he may of made a wrong move! if the rack was fine before, and you just lost power steering. then it is most likely the power steering pump or the lines that go from rack to the pump. good-day ! if a rack goes bad, you will get a bad steering problem or just bad steering.

Hi and welcome to FixYa!

If that's the case then the oil seals of the rack and pinion should be replaced. If the seals are worn out it tends to leak and can definitely feel a loss of power. If it still leaks even after the replacement then the rack and pinion should be replaced.

There are instances that after oil seal replacement it still leaks it's because that the rack and pinion has severe damage.

Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa! Have a good one!

NO. The rack usually fails because no one changes P/S Fluid every two years or so. Now if a new rack is installed and you don't flush the cooler and install a filter in the return line,you loose the new rack again from contamination from the first rack. That's a common poor work practice,even though every rack comes with a tag and instructions warning of this.

This does not solve your problem, but perhaps power in numbers will help. I have had 2 steering racks replaced on my 2006 TL. Acura is not claiming any defects, but the steering is extremely difficult to turn. Hardly even feels like I have power steering. I'm upset because I had to pay for the 2nd rack just 14 months after the 1st one was replaced. I expected more from the Acura brand!

when it comes to the power steering hose I would say just do it yourself. As for the rack and pinion it will probably cost you quite a few hours of labor. anywhere from 5-9. Its up to you!