19th May 2009, 17:37

I also have a 99 Taurus with the spraying of the fluid out of the pump when turned off. I looked online, found this site and have it apart right now. I had to walk away from it cause I do not have a lot of patience. I am going to get some scrap steel and weld up a tool for that nut. I could not budge it with my tools. I am going to make the tool, and if it will not tighten, I will loosen it a tiny bit and see if it'll go tight. But I really had no leverage on my first attempt. I wish I'd found this info before I replaced the pump. And I hope that this will fix it. I just wish I'd found this info when I had the motor out for a swap. I'll shoot another post upon completion.

1st Sep 2009, 10:02

I have a 2007 Ford Taurus, just this last June I end up spending $500 for a steering pump. It was still hard to turn so they told me that I needed a new steering rack, which would cost about $800. This does not make any sense at all, this car is only 2 years old and I'm having to spend over a thousand dollars to get it fixed. I've had enough of this car and its problems. My last car was a 2002 Hyundai Accent, the best little car I ever had, and now I'm starting to miss it.

24th Mar 2010, 06:47

I would like to thank the guest that helped solve my 99 Taurus power steering problem. I checked the nut on the passenger side of the tie rod/rack and pinion, and found it to be loose. I fabricated a 24" long by 1/2 steel rod with a turned down end of 3/16 dia. about 1/4 "long. A local machine shop or anyone with a lathe could make this for you, but the long screwdriver would also work. I was able to turn the nut at least two revolutions. I still have some problems with the fluid level dropping off when I start the car, but the foaming and overflow issue is gone. I assume it's an air bubbles in the line; it seems to be slowly improving, so I assume the air is working its way out. The hardest part of this was getting a clamp back on the large end of the boot; I just used a large hose clamp and some patience to get it in place.

Thanks for a cheap fix.

7th Jun 2010, 11:53

Thank you for posting this. It was very helpful. It solved the problem. Thanks again.

21st Jun 2012, 14:51

Well, first of all, my Sable is much roomier and nicer to ride in than my Camry. It's the car my wife and I prefer to take on trips anywhere. It is quieter, smoother and larger, and gets the same, if not better overall fuel mileage. The Vulcan powered Sable averages 25 MPG, and can get over 30 on the highway. It carries a lot more weight, and has more space to do it. We don't use our camping van any more; I didn't even register it this year. We can carry our large tent, queen size bedding, screen house, kitchen, chairs and all attendant camping gear, along with our two inflatable kayaks and both of our bicycles on a rack. I can also tow my 16 ft aluminum boat with the 1999 Sable, but not with the 2002 Camry.

I did not buy this car new, it came from friends. Slightly used by an elderly woman, who had it taken from her by her daughters when she started bumping into their cars in the driveway, and other mysterious marks started appearing on the body. I have not had any real significant problems thankfully, although there has been a learning curve with repeating problems. Just like this power steering leak issue, I have found a way to beat most of the problems encountered to date with minor mods done at the time of repair. The car has been one of the least expensive and nicest to ride in that I've owned, being as quiet and smooth as, but much more nimble than my Grand Marquis, while at the same time, driving similarly and sipping gas like my 2.0 liter Probe, with one heck of a lot more room on board.

To me, the Camry is just an investment in reliable transportation. There is no fun or excitement in the Camry, just boring perfection. Well, almost perfection, but still uninspiring. As a sport touring car, the Taurus/Sable platform is much more enjoyable than a Camry, reminding me most of my 1994 C220, which went 255,000 miles before I finally sold it. I don't know if the Sable can go that distance, but my 1993 Probe did before my son crashed it good.

I have already purchased a replacement for the Sable; it's a diesel pickup that I need to tow a large trailer. I just haven't been able to stop driving the Sable yet, maybe I'll just keep it. I can always sell the Camry.