1996 Ford Contour Steering Problem

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Ken - 28 Aug 2004 08:11 GMT

Hey everyone, 1996 Ford Contour GL 4cyl 2.0L Automatic 215000kms

I have noticed recently, that there is some "play" with the steering wheel.
What i mean is i am driving down the road, and can wiggle the steering
wheel, oh a good 2 inches or so, either way with no reaction from the
wheels.

Also, the car sometimes seems to drift side to side abit....just about
enough that would seem logical is in relation to the excessive play in the
steering.

And thirdly, when i turn the wheel fast, or all the way, i hear the power
steering pump groaning. I am assuming i need to replace the pump. But before
i go and buy one and do the work, id like to know if there is anything else
it could be. Fluid level is normal and never drops (no leaks)

thanks,
ken

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Jeff - 28 Aug 2004 13:12 GMT

> Hey everyone, 1996 Ford Contour GL 4cyl 2.0L Automatic 215000kms
>
> I have noticed recently, that there is some "play" with the steering wheel.
> What i mean is i am driving down the road, and can wiggle the steering
> wheel, oh a good 2 inches or so, either way with no reaction from the
> wheels.

Something in your steering system is worn out. It needs to be replaced.

This could be from worn ball sockets, worn idler arm or too much clearance
in the steering gearbox.

http://www.tpub.com/basae/222.htm

> Also, the car sometimes seems to drift side to side abit....just about
> enough that would seem logical is in relation to the excessive play in the
> steering.

You may need a realignment after the necessary parts are replaced.

> And thirdly, when i turn the wheel fast, or all the way, i hear the power
> steering pump groaning. I am assuming i need to replace the pump. But before
> i go and buy one and do the work, id like to know if there is anything else
> it could be. Fluid level is normal and never drops (no leaks)
> thanks,
> ken

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nospam.clare.nce@snyder.on.ca - 28 Aug 2004 15:56 GMT

>> Hey everyone, 1996 Ford Contour GL 4cyl 2.0L Automatic 215000kms
>>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>This could be from worn ball sockets, worn idler arm or too much clearance
>in the steering gearbox.

No idler arm or gearbox - it has rack and pinion steering. Suggest you
check the rack mounting points.

>http://www.tpub.com/basae/222.htm
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>> thanks,
>> ken

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Backyard Mechanic - 29 Aug 2004 15:28 GMT

> Hey everyone, 1996 Ford Contour GL 4cyl 2.0L Automatic 215000kms
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> enough that would seem logical is in relation to the excessive play in
> the steering.

both the same... if you have no other noises.. such as ball-joint groan at
little to no speed turns. I concur with the idea that the problem is in the
rack, either loose or worn mounting.. or worn tie rods OR in the transitional
joints in the steering shaft.

> And thirdly, when i turn the wheel fast, or all the way, i hear the
> power steering pump groaning. I am assuming i need to replace the pump.
> But before i go and buy one and do the work, id like to know if there is
> anything else it could be. Fluid level is normal and never drops (no
> leaks)

Ford pumps are not the quietest... you dont say whether this started during
your ownership, or you just got the car or what?

cavitation noise in the pump, and all hydraulic pumps do this, some are just
louder than others... exercise it a lot in the driveway.. then open filler.
Foam? flush the PS fluid and replace it. Maybe synthetic would cure it, make
it quieter.

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dbird - 05 Nov 2004 16:24 GMT

> Hey everyone, 1996 Ford Contour GL 4cyl 2.0L Automatic 215000kms
>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> thanks,
> ken

go to www.contour.org and get all the info you need on a contour...
very informative web page.....

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