|
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 47
New CEG\'er
|
OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 47 |
I have a major power steering fluid leak in my 95 Contour SE V6.
So obviously, the leak is coming from one of the lines or from the steering rack itself.
My question is about replacing the steering rack. I hope there is room to remove and replace the steering rack without major disassembly of the front sub frame.
I haven't taken the car to a garage for a quote yet because I wanted to first find out how hard of a job it is before a mechanic gives me an outrageous quote.
Any advise would be appreciated!
1995 Contour SE, Duratec V6, 5 Speed
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197
I have no life
|
|
I have no life
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197 |
Sorry, have to drop the rear of the subframe. Good luck not getting arse raped by letting a garage do it.
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 47
New CEG\'er
|
|
OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 47 |
Can you give the the "quick version" of what has to be removed before I can get to the rack?
1995 Contour SE, Duratec V6, 5 Speed
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197
I have no life
|
|
I have no life
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197 |
Not really. Support the engine with a cherry picker. Remove everything attached to the subframe and rack, remove 4 subframe bolts. If you want more you're going to need to buy a Ford CD ROM. Oh wait I sell them... 
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,506
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,506 |
todras is right, you have to drop that front subframe. Access to a hoist and power tools makes this survivable. And if you need/find a mechanic that won't rape and pillage, you still want the service CD on hand for you and the mechanic.
And if you were just about to install an lsd/clutch upgrade, your timing (for not duplicating labor) is impressive.
MSDS, SHO-shop Y, custom 2.5" catback; xcal2; 63mm TB, K&N 3530; Koni struts, Aussie bar; THaines forks, Quaife, SpecII, UR fly; DMD; Nima UD pullies; Stazi brakes; f&r Pole120 mounts. Just a daily commuter car. Silver '98 SVT E0 #3159
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 47
New CEG\'er
|
|
OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 47 |
Good news! The pressure line from the pump is leaking, not the seals on the steering rack! Ordered a new line from AutoZone for $23.99!
I stopped at a Ford Dealership for an estimate on replacing the steering rack before I jacked up the car and found the bad pressure line. The Service Manager quoted me $1005.54 for replacing the steering rack and a 4 wheel alignment!!
$1005.54!!!!!
I only paid $1000.00 for the car at a dealers-only auction.
I feel sorry for owners who have to pay for type of repair.
This wasn't one of Ford's better engineering designs, but I still love my Duratec Contour SE and prefer it over my previous 93 Honda Accord!
1995 Contour SE, Duratec V6, 5 Speed
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197
I have no life
|
|
I have no life
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197 |
They very rarely if ever fail.
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,788
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,788 |
Originally posted by todras:
They very rarely if ever fail.
Except for those damned seals.... 
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!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,163
Hard-core CEG\'er
|
|
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,163 |
"I feel sorry for owners who have to pay for type of repair"
Are you talking about yourself
You are talking about me for sure
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 47
New CEG\'er
|
|
OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 47 |
I opened my big mouth too soon!
I ASSUMED that my leaking pressure hose from the power steering pump to the steering rack can be changed without removing or loosening the front sub-frame, but now a mechanic tells me otherwise. He wrote up an estimate of $375.00 to replace the pressure hose and since he is going off book-time,
he related that the sub-frame must be in the way.
From a quick look under the car, it looks like the y-pipe from the manifolds must be removed, then the sub-frame to get to the steering rack. All this work to replace a $50.00 hose!
1995 Contour SE, Duratec V6, 5 Speed
|
|
|
|
|
