19th Mar 2009, 22:55
Question: My 01 Taurus SES sometimes jerks a bit after a complete stop. Anyone know what's causing that? Should I prepare myself for 2300 dollar transmission job?
7th Apr 2009, 10:22
Bought my 2001 Taurus SEL as a FoMoCo "Lemon" after reading the ridiculous non-issues the original owner brought it in for. Car had 4000 miles and I saved over $13,000 for a 5 month old car. Installed dimming mirror from a Lincoln (must have option for me).
Problems in 108,000 Miles - 1 rear spring broke, replaced myself for cost of spring. On only second set of tires, Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread (great tires). Am about to do second front brake job, with new pads and rotors (avoids shimmy when braking). Will also replace front struts to improve ride.
This is our second Taurus. The 1987 had over 200K miles on original engine and tranny, when hit in rear by lady on cell phone.
I have had really good luck with these cars. Recommend tire rotation every 6000 miles, along with balance, annual alignment and changing rotors when you do a brake job. Car is not as smooth as the wife's new Cadillac, but it don't shimmy.
8th Jul 2009, 08:08
I have a 2002 Taurus with 117,000 miles on it. It has never left me stranded, but it has had some high dollar repairs.
I too have the vibration/shimmy that everyone else is complaining about. My mechanic can't figure it out. The front suspension/steering/brakes have been replaced and new tires have not fixed the problem. I have suspected the engine mounts before, but never suggested that to the shop. I will do that next and see what happens.
I will keep driving this thing until it dies, because the property taxes and insurance are so cheap, and the repair costs are still cheaper than a car payment each month.
11th Aug 2010, 11:09
My 2001 Ford Taurus, 60,000+ Miles, decent tires, suddenly developed a violent shaking as you drive it. Feels as if a wheel is loose (it appears to be coming from the front). I jacked the vehicle up (each wheel) & wiggled fore & aft & vertically... None of the wheels feel loose other than the rt. front wheel had 4-5 inches play fore & aft. I am not sure what is causing the violent weaving.
Can anyone out there that can give good advice?
Also, do I take it to a local repair shop or dealer? I do not wish to be taken to "The Cleaners" with repairs that I do not actually need.
Thanking you in advance! Joe.
11th Aug 2010, 20:36
I'm a small dealer mechanic. I have been doing this crap for 20 years. Yet I and 5 other shops and a Ford dealer are baffled by this Ford Taurus 2002 that has the shake problem. Between 45 and 60 MPH the steering wheel has a violent side to side shake. Most comments here suggest things that would be common mistakes, worn parts or things most people wouldn't know to check. However I on the other hand have changed pads, rotors, drums, shoes, c.v. axles, anti-sway bar connecting links, tires, balanced and aligned, wheel bearing assemblies, struts and ball joints. the only thing that changed was the bill! 8/11/10.
I'm going to change the motor mounts now and see what happens. If that doesn't work I can hand him a bill to say I can't do any more and send to a dealer with the suggestion to "force balance"? If the motor mounts are the problem I will re post here tomorrow. T.J.
3rd Feb 2009, 15:19
Alright, I own a 2003 Taurus, and in the past have owned a 1992, and a 1996. If you know what you're doing, and don't constantly take the cheapest route possible when making repairs, ANY vehicle can be a great vehicle.
I work with tires 5 days a week, most common problem I see is vibrations caused by, wheels being out of balance, excessive mechanical wear from worn suspension parts/alignment issue, and mud/snow build up along the inside of the wheel. My customers who follow my recommendations in keeping up with their vehicles, have no problems. On average I see 3-5 Taurus owner in per day, all who if they know and understand that cars don't fix themselves, love their cars and wouldn't trade in their Taurus for anything else on the market.
Currently, I have 77,608 miles on my Taurus, and I've replaced the tires once, rear brakes once, about to replace front brakes for the second time, and planning on doing the inner and outer tie rods. Aside from your usual wear and tear, I've had no trouble with my Taurus, and for those who are worried about gas mileage, I average 22MPG.