1999 Lincoln Continental power steering/losing steering flu

KAYMOR

MEMBER
1999 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
V8
FWD
AUTOMATIC
94,000 MILES

The problem began when I began hearing loud noise when turning only. When power steering resevoir checked it was completely empty. Added steering fluid and initially (for about a week or two) I would have to fill the compartment every 2 days but could not determine how, why or where a leak was occurring. The third week of refilling the compartment I noticed that I would have to add steering fluid every day and then two times per day. Now when I had the steering fluid the noise continues and I am also feeling a shaking of some kind when I turn. The noise seems to have gotten louder and steering when turning is more difficult and rough. What could be the possible problems? Would this repair be really expensive? Any suggestions? Should I continue to "NOT" drive the vehicle because doing so would make the problem worse?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,742 POSTS

Hi kaymor. Welcome to the forum. When no fluid leakage is evident, suspect a leaking seal in the rack and pinion steering assembly. The fluid will collect in one of the accordion boots around the inner tie rod end and flow into the other boot through the air transfer tube. By the time you're adding fluid even once every other day, there should be enough pressure buildup in the boots for the fluid to leak past the clamps and onto the ground.

A typical remanufactured rack and pinion assembly runs around $150.00. Labor to replace it depends on how long it takes. A Dodge Dakota takes less than 20 minutes. A Pontiac Grand Am can take over four hours. Those are extremes so expect your car to fall somewhere in between. Of course that's assuming it really does need the rack assembly. The location of the leak must be diagnosed first.

Driving long distances without power steering fluid will cause the pump to overheat and it could be damaged.

Caradiodoc