Tie rod threads stripped leads to complete loss of steering and near-death experience.
1997 Ford Expedition: loss of power steering
10 of the 850 complaints about the 1997 Ford Expedition describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 10 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
While trying to park lost power steering . Dealer replaced pitman arm/steering assembly/ intermediate arm/power steering gear box, and rack and pinion.
After making a right turn off a major parkway in westchester county ny, where we had been traveling at 60 MPH, I made a right turn at exit . After proceeding 25 feet, a horrific noise was heard, the car lost steering ability and shook and bucked wildly. Hit a tree on roadside and came to rest. Found that the left tie rod ball joint completely separated and the left wheel had no steering at all. The incident would have killed my entire family had it happened at highway speed. This should not be possible. Prior to this, last year, both sway bar links fractured, also resulting in a near crash situation. This vehicle needs to be investigated. It is a death machine on wheels!!!!
While driving power steering went out. Consumer said it took all his/her strength to turn wheel. Dealer has been contacted.
While driving at 70 MPH left front inner tie rod end broke, causing loss of steering. Manufacturer was notified about the problem. Part was replaced at owner's expense. Ford has provided no assistance. *ak
Consumer veered right to avoid animal and the vehicle did not steer rack due to the power steering gear shaft assembly (sheared in two) failure causing loss of steering control and collision with parked vehicles.
The steering box was completely loose which resulted in total loss of steering.
The goodyear wranglers rts tires are original equipment on the ford expedition,they have a tendancy to hydroplane on wet roads. Expierenced major loss of control in a rainstorm traveling at 25mph on a 45mph road. Entered a slight curve, no steering response vehicle proceed to head straight until comming in contact with a concrete bicycle path,in which forced the vehicel to turn abrubtly, hydroplaning again going across two lanes until driver regained control. Tires show no major wear, no uneven tread or any defects. These stock goodyear tires also produce major vibrations at highway speeds.ford should not use these tires as original equipment tires.( dot number: tire size: 255-70-16 )
While driving slowly in the rain, the vehicle suddenly went into a skid. During the skid, the vehicle shutdown with no power steering or ABS, giving owner no indication. The engine check light came on after vehicle shutdown and remained on for a couple of days. Manufacturer will be notified. *ak
Driver experienced total loss of steering control when tie rod separated from sleeve connected to steering.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Customer maintenance reminder - literature program 04L19 - tie rod inspection procedure
- Tie rod end inspection procedure
- Tie rod end inspection procedure
- Steering -alignment-toe set procedure service tip
- Information regarding new service steering gear
- Diagnostic service tips on passive anti theft system ( pats )
- Concerns of squeaky / noisy pitman arm
- Steering column- high speed vibration- 4X2 vehicles equipped with 5.4L engine
Related recalls
Steering: gear box: shaft sector
- What is wrong
- On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the intermediate shaft yoke separates from the steering gear input shaft, the steering system becomes disconnected.
- Risk
- This could result in loss of steering control, potentially resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering intermediate shaft yoke to determine if the yoke is fully seated on the steering gear input shaft. If the yoke is fully seated no service is required. If the yoke is not fully seated and bolt groove and spline is visible, the intermediate shaft and bolt will be replaced as well as the bolt at the steering column connection. Owner notification began on may 30, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.
Recall number 03V196000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Ford Expedition power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1997 Ford Expedition?
10 of 850 owner complaints about the 1997 Ford Expedition (1%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2006.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Ford Expedition?
There is 1 recall and 10 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Ford Expedition
Fire or smoke 59Adaptive cruise 40Ball joint 34ABS 30Brake failure 28Tire blowout 21Wipers 18No deployment 16Grinding brakes 15Headlights 13Stalling 13Check engine light 11Door locks 11Water leak 11Loss of power 10Knocking 9Pulling 9Engine failure 8Won't shift 7Won't start 7Airbag light 6Harsh shifting 6Jerking 5Steering lock-up 5
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