1997 Ford Escort - Answered Questions & Fixed issues
Hi i drive a ford escort 1997 16v 1800. My
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Wheel mounts to shaft. (does not typically wear)
2. Shaft has a joint I think. (does not typically wear)
3. Shaft knuckle attaches to steering rack. (does not typically wear)
The following components do wear.
4. Pinion gear connects to rack.
5. Inner tie-rods connect to rack.
6. Inner tie-rods connect to outer tie-rods.
Sitting still, engine off, you should be able to jiggle the wheel back and forth. Depending on the sound, point at which I feel contact through the wheel, I can usually tell which component is worn.
Many years ago I had replaced a rack & pinion when a mechanic had diagnosed it as the source for a knocking noise. My steering was much tighter post replacement.
But the most common wear item in the steering system are the outer tie-rods ends. I don't think too many inner tie-rods wear, but it definitely happens as well. My case may have been more unusual or people just ignore it since it isn't a safety issue; don't know.
It's also possible for certain suspension components to create noise, but should be ignored as a potential cause until the obvious and more likely steering components are eliminated.
Intuit, Oct 1, 2012
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denisond3ModeratorStaff Member
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Pinion Mount Bushings, between the rack housing and the firewall, that have gotten chewed up from age or have worked their way out sideways from under the two clamping brackets. The effect is as if there was another driver steering slightly after you move the steering wheel.
If you have someone work the steering wheel back and forth, while you look behind the enginedown at the lower part of the firewall, you may see the steering rack and pinion moving back and forth noticeably.
You can buy the bushings in auto parts places, at least www.carquest.com shows them. If you type 'rack and pinion mount bushings' into the search window at a carquest website, then click on the link of that name - and keep sliding down the rather long page to see the images. They have carquest part numbers like 577-7045 (right) & 577-7046 (left), or KB0367 for the pair; about $6 each.
Installing them is straight forward, though maybe not easy. You have to work from underneath upward, with a 14mm deep socket: And the 4 nuts holding the two clamping brackets in place may be stiff from corrosion. With both of the ones I had to replace, it took me a lot of effort to work the nuts free, squirting penetrating oil up and working them a quarter of a turn back and forth at a time until they freed up. I used a 6 point socket so I wouldnt be damaging the nuts). Then I pried the rack slightly forward to slide the old bushings out and the new ones in.
When done, the steering no longer had that mushy feeling.
The other things intuit mentioned are also worth checking - since the steering components seldom wear out one at a time.
denisond3, Oct 1, 2012
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U joint between the rack and the column and then wiggle the wheel back and forth to see if they both move uniformly. If they do, be happy and go on to checking the outer tie rod endsand the lower ball joints. I had been through this before with my sedan, so after the "grab and wiggle" I just ordered both outer tie rod ends and both ball joints and did them all at once. Problem solved.
My outer tie rods were so bad I could hold one in my hand and move(not pivot but actually move the whole thing) the stud and ball back and forth with 2 fingers so much it scared me to know It'd been driven with them installed. It's amazing how bad they can get, and people don't understand so they just keep driving it.
Where is the fuse for horn on ford escort
Hi! You may want to start looking at the fuse box located underneath the dash on the driver's side. The fusebox cover usually has a legend that tells you the designated fuses and amperes. Replace the horn fuse if busted. Have a nice day
Cylinder misfire in ford escort 97
Rubbish. Find out whether the misfire is due to low compression or a bad coil pack. Low compression would be the most expensive since an overhaul would be needed. If a coil pack is bad, it's a simple fix and not too bad on the pocket book
Starter relay motor location
It's called an inhibit relay , an it is located in the battery junction or instrument panel fuse box.And it's controlled by the RAP module. remote anti-theft personality module. Do you know what a regular relay look's like one inch square little plastic box ? The solenoid is on the starter .
9/30/2017 10:08:45 AM •
1997 Ford Escort
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Answered
on Sep 30, 2017
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1,104 views
I have a used 1997 Ford Escort. I did not get a
You do have a security system. This should be transponder type security system, I don't believe it will start without key fob. There is an inhibitor relay for your starter motor circuit and security system. Check for applicable trouble codes, if there are any? Maybe you local dealership, talk to service department, see if they can get you a key fob. Go at it that way. I don't know about the cost?
You can usually jump the starter motor to see if it will crank the engine, but, that doesn't mean it will start. If you try that, make sure tranny is in park or neutral and parking brake is set. Safety is your responsibility.
Engine (And Thus Car) Vibrates when stopped
Is the antifreeze level low? If so pull the oil dipstick is it milky looking? If so you blew a head gasket and antifreeze is getting in the cylinders causing a miss and that is your shaking.
My 97 escort 2.0l has a miss fire and I replaced t...
Hey, well 1st. If the engine light came on I would scan 4 error codes or have any auto shops scan it 4 you so you can clearly know where to start and how serious is it. As if it died on ya a few times already, it may b somthing big and u not doing yr self any favers by keep pushing that cas., a specialy if thats the 1 that feeds you At the moment ????. Hope that helps . G/luck .??.. Tony
I have a 1997 Ford Escort Wagon and I don't have a
try this test
place in neutral with the park brake on
start the engine if it idles alright put your foot on the brake
if it falters or plays up ,it is a vacuum leak in the brake booster
replace the booster
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