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Guys, I think I have bought found the money pit, its called a 95 Contour Anyway I heard a groan while making a turn on my newly acquired car , after checking the PS reservoir, it was quite low so I filled it up. I looked under the vehicle and don't see any moisture anywhere, except what looks like a wet spot on the Right outer CV boot (NO TEAR in the boot). But again in the 2 weeks I've owned it, no leaks under the car. How do I know if its the rack or something easier, or maybe the resivior was just low? Since I acquired it 2 weeks ago I have 400 into A/C work 75.00 for a new tire 225 for minor body work (rust) 75 for an alignment 100 for weatherstrip, cup holders, misc trim pieces and new instrument light bulbs If indeed it is the rack what happens if you let it go... I mean what are the symptoms and what happens? And any idea on cost, to have it done 80K 95SE ATX  
Ken O
95 Contour SE 2.5 Auto
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you haven't, at least by your list of repairs, found a "money pit" by any sense of the term.
Everything you listed can be expected for a 10 YEAR OLD car. (with the exception of a tire, as that would come MUCH more often..)
You kind of have to expect that to happen when you get a used car, much less an older used one.
The groaning is most likely the low level (that will cause it every time).
top off, turn the wheel lock to lock a couple of times, and adjust your level if needed.
Ray
'99 CSVT - Silver #222/276
In a constant state of blow-off euphoria.
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Originally posted by Ray:
top off, turn the wheel lock to lock a couple of times, and adjust your level if needed.
Ray
To clarify, the "turning the wheel lock to lock a couple of times" is to bleed the system of air. It is especially important if you did not fill the reservoir slowly.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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I would check the steering rack boots for fluid inside them.
They can hold a bit of fluid before you will see any leak out. If they are leaking? Time to spend some more $$$$
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What kind of fluid is it? If it's just water than it could be your A/C over-flow. I don't know where it drains on the Contour, but find out what is on the boot before you panic and do something you didn't need to.
2000 Contour SE
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Originally posted by Majisto:
What kind of fluid is it? If it's just water than it could be your A/C over-flow. I don't know where it drains on the Contour, but find out what is on the boot before you panic and do something you didn't need to.
Yes, especially since you have just repaired your A/C. The water should be coming from between the firewall just above the exhaust. Note that sometimes it drips on the subframe and then it might appear to drip from another area to the floor.
Last edited by Tony2005; 09/04/05 12:39 AM.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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He indicated it was fluid on the outer CV boot. That would indicate no connection to either the rack or the A/C condensate. It might indicate a torn or leaking CV boot which would likely require a replacement halfshaft.
Di sqyueeze each of the tie rod/rack boots to see if there is any fluid in them. If so, you wll be replacing the rack soon. Having just done this last week, I can tell you it's no fun.
The groaning is from air in the PS hydraulic system. Top it off and purge it as already described. If that method of purging does not work, it may be necessary to use the more agressive vacuum purge method (it's in the service manual).
Steve
98 Contour SE Sport 2.5 Duratec ATX The wifey's car
89 Taurus SHO - 246K miles
94 SHO ATX - 190K
1997 F-150 5.4L ATX - The Workhorse 150K.
ANY THREAD WITH "OMG" or "WTF" ETC IN THE TITLE WILL BE IGNORED!
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Steve and others,
Thanks for the input, The power steering resivior seems to be holding., I just checked after 200 miles and 3 days.
If it was the steering rack, wouldnt you see some other type of symptom, such as loose steering or something else?
The steering is very tight.
In regards to the outer CV boot, there is no clunk and no rips in the boot. I just went and looked at the outer CV boot, and the wetness seems to be like a heavy grease between 2 of the folds, but I dont see any rip. Cant a boot be repaired/replaced?? If so or if cant what am I looking at $$wise if the whole 1/2 shaft has to be done?
Steve, did you do the new rack yourself or have it done. And if I can ask how much
K
Ken O
95 Contour SE 2.5 Auto
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Originally posted by KenO:
If it was the steering rack, wouldnt you see some other type of symptom, such as loose steering or something else?
The steering is very tight.
Actually, I once had a problem with a PS rack (Chevy) and it was actually very tight (maybe lack of lubrication?) rather than loose.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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