steering problem

[supersteve]

i have a 1990 sho the steering is alittle weird sometimes. when i take turns it sometimes sticks and i have to force the steering wheel back. i checked the power steering fluid. I think its the rack? has anyone else had this problem? Am i correct with my diagnosis?

 

[Bizzy]

Could be the rack, but it could be other things as well. I had a similar thing happen in my 91 back in the day and the subframe bushings were the problem. What condition are yours in? Was your PS fluid low? Are there any visible leaks from the rack?

 

[krednjen]

I would start with the steering u-joint. Easier, cheaper, and at least as likely to be the culpret, if not more so. As the needle bearings get chewed up, they stick intermittantly. A rack problem is less likely to come and go.

 

[supersteve]

ps fluid was fine. i have not noticed any leaks. where are the subframe bushings located? iam new to the whole Taurus sho gang. are there any visual problems that i can see with the steering u joint

 

[Bizzy]

The bushings are located at each of the 4 corners of the subframe, you can see them from under the car. It would be adviseable to get in touch with Josh at SHO NUT or the guys at SHO Source and grab yourself a less than $100 set of aluminum subframe bushings, whether or not yours are bad. It's absolutely amazing at the improvement that they make in steering response.

Here's a test for you, and you can do this by yourself or with the assistance of another person. While in neutral and sitting still, open the hood and then turn the steering wheel from lock to lock. ie: turn it all the way to the left and then back all the way to the right until it'll go no further. While doing that watch your engine and see if it moves/twists in the engine bay. If it does, one or more of your bushings are bad for sure. I'll lay $5.00 on it that it does.

I can't say for certain and without a doubt that it's not what krednjen suggest, but I don't think so.

If you're uncertain about things I would highly suggest finding an experienced SHO person in your area that could help you figure things out. There is a very high concentration of SHO gurus in PA, so I'm sure someone will step forward to help you out. If I was closer I'd help.

 

[supersteve]

so most likely its the subframe bushings. are aluminum the best way to go?

 

[supersteve]

also do i need the recall kit?

 

[supersteve]

While in neutral and sitting still, open the hood and then turn the steering wheel from lock to lock.


i did it the motor moves about 2 inches side to side. i would say i need the bushings

 

[Bizzy]

Yep, and yes, you need 2 recall kits. I think you'll find that the bushings will fix the problem.

 

[supersteve]

whats the deal with the recall kits? thats awesome i cant wait for my car to react the way it should

 

[Bizzy]

There was a problem with the design of the original subframe bolt/nut that held the subframe bushings and subframe to the car so they did a recall on them. Only the rear 2 were affected, thus why there are only two bolts/plate nuts in the recall kits which in turn is why we suggest that you get 2 recall kits to do all four corners of your car.

If you get the aluminum bushings, be sure to clean the areas on the subframe where the bushings contact it, then paint it with any type or color spray paint. It won't hurt the subframe if you don't do this, but it helps to hold down on the corrosion between the two different metals of the subframe and bushings.

 

[supersteve]

if its put off for a month or so will it cause more damage

 

[Bizzy]

I guess that depends on what condition the bushings are in presently, what shape the bolts are in, whether or not they hold, and [in best Dirty Harry voice] "You've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky?"

Typically when you get to the point you're at now it's a safety issue since the steering could stick at any given time as you know. If you aren't expecting it and can't correct it in time you could end up having an accident. I would replace them ASAP if I was you.