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98' Contour Power Steering
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Nov 24, 2008, 10:30 AM
Post #1 of 8
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98' Contour Power Steering
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Steering problem
1998 Ford Contour 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 74000 miles
**The power steering works during higher speeds, but fails at slower speeds. i.e. 0-20mph.**
The guy at Meineke checked and said my power steering fluid was fine and the pump tested ok. He said the problem was with the Rack and Pinion.
I asked how much somthing like that costs to replace and he told me close to $1000.00. He said there is a plastic gear in there that probably has broke and eventually I wont be able to turn the wheels at all. Also told me that the whole thing has to be replaced, not just the gear.
I looked online and I see Rack and Pinions selling for $150.00 Is this not the right type? Is the $1000.00 estimate accurate?
I am a college student and don't have all the funds in the world. I would really love one of you guys to help me out. Thanks so much!
-Sarah
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Nov 24, 2008, 10:35 AM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: 98' Contour Power Steering
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I signed up for an account, but it lists me as guest. 
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dmac0923
Enthusiast
Nov 24, 2008, 11:34 AM
Post #3 of 8
(3905 views)
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Re: 98' Contour Power Steering
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it sounds like your not getting power steering at all.
power steering assists you turn the wheel at stop or at slower speeds. at higher speeds its pretty much what your hands tell the wheel to do.
i would double check the fluid in the resevoir.
then check to make sure you have the proper tension on your serpentine belt.
then check your pressure lines to make sure they are in good shape, not leaking, not pinched or collapsed
__________________________________________________
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2002 Ford Ranger
2004 Toyota Corolla
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Nov 24, 2008, 11:41 AM
Post #4 of 8
(3901 views)
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Re: 98' Contour Power Steering
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Thank you for the response!
Sometimes while going 5mph, it is really easy to turn the wheel and sometimes it is REALLY hard.
I really don't know how to check all of these except the fluid level. Maybe I can take it in and tell them to double check the things you have mentioned?
was the guy who told me about the rack and pinion, just lying?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 24, 2008, 12:53 PM
Post #5 of 8
(3893 views)
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Re: 98' Contour Power Steering
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Guest: Look on the gray/black line up top for "Log In" and "Log Out" and the name you chose should show up. Works either way - just you have more options if signed in.
Check items dmac suggested. I'd be checking for pump action at all by loosening a line (pressure) and just watch if it squirts well as it may not be pumping from the pump itself. The rack may regulate amount of assist you get and isn't getting the message you are going slow or stopped when the assist is wanted and less wanted when at speed for better
road feel" - that and you really can't turn a wheel all that much at speed without ending up on your roof so you would barely notice!
Could need a new rack but I'd check harder first. There may be a simple plug (wires) not connected - check for that,
T
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Nov 24, 2008, 3:29 PM
Post #6 of 8
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Re: 98' Contour Power Steering
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2 other things to check. There is a power steering pressure switch in the system. If this fails, the steering can become stiffer. Also the transmission range sensor(neutral safety switch/back up light switch) can also cause the problem. My guess is the TR sensor.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
jbjeep92@bellsouth.net
Dec 12, 2008, 7:17 AM
Post #7 of 8
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Re: 98' Contour Power Steering
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yes this is an accurate estimate. The reason being is that rack and pinion directly effects the steering. Also they have to take everything loose--i.e. the motor and everything else--this is a huge job!!!
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
jbjeep92@bellsouth.net
Dec 12, 2008, 12:22 PM
Post #8 of 8
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Re: 98' Contour Power Steering
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You do need to make sure that this job at Meineke includes an alignment--which is something that must be done whenever a rack n pinion is changed which is why your estimate is so high you are paying labor on both jobs
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