Steering Problem... I think SFB?

[Dr. Tweak]

Hey guys!

Well I just got my SHO registered today, been driving it around, and the steering is wicked loose, I mean really really bad. I have to turn the wheel 90 degrees before it really starts to turn. I took a look underneath, and it looks like the driver rear subframe bolt is messed up... looks like it popped out or something. I did a search, and it seems like the subframe bushings can cause loose steering...

am I on the right track? Also is it true there is a recall on this in some states? I'm in VT so there probably is... darn rust...

 

[Rockledge]

JDLangevin:
.... Also is it true there is a recall on this in some states? I'm in VT so there probably is... darn rust...

NHTSA Campaign ID number : 98V323000

Make / Model: Years:
FORD / TAURUS 1986-1995

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 98V323000 Recall Date : DEC 15, 1998
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 26970

Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN.

THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.

Consequence:
IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

Notes:
NOTE: THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN SUPERCEDES RECALL CAMPAIGN 93V-106. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JANUARY 18, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).


P.S. If your dealer tries to claim your SHO isn't covered by the recall, then you can download and/or print supporting documents (to stick in the SM's face) here:

http://152.122.48.12/prepos/files/Artemis/Public/Recalls/1998/V/RC-98V323-NN.PDF

<small>[ November 27, 2003, 01:47 AM: Message edited by: Rockledge ]</small>

 

[sdpatt]

There is something very wrong and unsafe with the steering or suspension in that SHO if you must truly turn the wheel 90 degrees to change direction. If you are not an experienced mechanic, you should have it looked at by someone who is. It could be anything from a loose steering shaft connection to a failed steering rack seal to extremely loose inner or outer tie rod connections to worn wheel bearings to a very poorly aligned front end. Please have that car checked before you drive it any farther.

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Well, I drove it a little more today, very carefully, to get a feel for what's going on. One of the SFB does seem to be damaged, I'll be calling Ford tomorrow and see if they will take care of it.

As far as the symtoms, it seems like the action is a lot slower, not that it takes all of 90 degrees to turn the car, but when I turn all the way to the lock the car doesn't turn very much... I figure it will be taken care of with the SFBs, and I'll have them check out the front end while they're at it.

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Darnit! rant

I found out that supposedly the recall has already been done... in '99. So they won't do it. Darnit!

Looks like I'm going to have to take care of this myself...

Speaking of which, where can I get the washers and bolts? shrug

<small>[ November 28, 2003, 01:05 PM: Message edited by: JDLangevin ]</small>

 

[masho95]

Well is the bolt missing or loose or what? You can get the subframe recall kit from Ford which includes 2 nuts, 2 bolts, 2 washers, and 2 plastic grommets. Part # XF1Z-5A364-AA and it should run you about $14

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Yup I acually got the kit today. They had it in stock, so all be all over that tomorrow.... now gotta do a search on replacing them... nothing in the Chilton manual specifically for that op...

 

[atticdog]

i just called the ford dealer and they said that recall has expired

 

[Dr. Tweak]

Did you call the number on that post up there? When I called them they never said that it expired, they just said my car was already done... wait a sec, it is a safety recall! It can't expire. There are feeding you a line. Give me a call and we'll go down and shoot the place up.

 

[Rockledge]

atticdog:
i just called the ford dealer and they said that recall has expired

I don't think so.

Print out the documents in the link that I referenced in in my previous post, and read through them. There is nothing in there about any expiration date. shrug

Moreover, I actually had an appointment with a local dealership to have SAFETY RECALL 98S36 done to my SHO but unfortunately I ran into fuel pump problems the day before and had to cancel it (will be rescheduling shortly).

Before the dealer scheduled the recall service the VIN # of my SHO was run through the computer (OASIS) and it confirmed it qualified for the recall.

My advice, call the dealership back and ask them if you could fax over the supporting documents, and then ask them to comment on them for the record and give you a denial of the recall service in writing, because you will be following up on this matter.

<small>[ November 29, 2003, 12:34 PM: Message edited by: Rockledge ]</small>

 

[atticdog]

ill call a different dealer
the one i called knew of the recall but said id has expired

 

[atticdog]

http://www.ford.com/en/vehicles/owners/recalls/default.htm#ford
type in vin number and it says no recall for my car,dealer told me no recalls were done on my car

 

[Rockledge]

atticdog:
http://www.ford.com/en/vehicles/owners/recalls/default.htm#ford
type in vin number and it says no recall for my car,dealer told me no recalls were done on my car

When I type my VIN # in there I do get a recall listing:

98S36 SUBFRAME REAR PLATE NUT REPLACEMENT

Just a guess on my part, but it might have something to do with what state your SHO was originally sold or registered in. Do you know that info?

 

[atticdog]

i just called that number for ford and they told me there is no recall for my car

 

[atticdog]

i called the dealer back and they now said safty recalls never expire and made an apointment for me wednesday morning