steering noise

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Fred - 16 Jun 2005 03:00 GMT

Hi

I have a problem with the power steering on a
89 LX 5.0.
You can feel a clunk while turning the wheel
left ot right. I had it to the dealer but all they
did was give me a brake job and tighten the
wheel bearings.
The problem remains.

I see a U joint in the
steering shaft in the engine compartment where the shaft
takes its first turn downward.
This joint seems to move slightly if I pull on it. Could
this be the source of the problem? I suppose Ford
didn't think so. Or do they look at things like that?

Any ideas?

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elaich - 16 Jun 2005 05:21 GMT

> I have a problem with the power steering on a
> 89 LX 5.0.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> wheel bearings.
> The problem remains.

Look for a "rag bushing" in the steering shaft. If the rag (flexible)
part of the joint goes bad, the steering will still work, but will have
enough slop in it to produce a clunk when the wheel is turned.

Failing that, could be a rack and pinion problem or a bad tie rod end.

Signature

"Go Spurs! Beat Detroit!"

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Mark C. - 16 Jun 2005 18:33 GMT

I agree, The rag joint is a common problem on older cars. It can be tricky
to replace because of the tight spaces. You should consider upgrading to a
polyurethane joint if you replace it.

Signature

Mark
--
"I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates who once said, "I drank
what?". " Val Kilmer in Real Genius.

>> I have a problem with the power steering on a
>> 89 LX 5.0.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Failing that, could be a rack and pinion problem or a bad tie rod end.

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Fred - 03 Jul 2005 14:43 GMT

Hi group

I don't see anything wrong with the rag bushing, which
looks like the lower joint below the first u-joint. I still don't understand
what is loose. It almost seems the looseness is
above this area and at the end of the column before it
goes through the firewall and down. Is there some sort of
bearing in there?

Fred

> Hi
>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Any ideas?

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Ritz - 03 Jul 2005 15:15 GMT

Yes, there is a bearing in the steering column.

What's with the "tighten the wheel bearings?" That doesn't make any
sense and certainly wouldn't cause the problem you describe. I hope the
stealer didn't charge you for that.

Cheers,

C

> Hi group
>
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>>
>>Any ideas?

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Brad and Mia - 04 Jul 2005 04:00 GMT

I had the same problem at about 30,000 miles on my 5.0. Turned out it was a
bushing on the rack and pinion. Cheap, easy fix. Check it out.

Brad

> Hi group
>
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>>
>> Any ideas?

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