2003 Lincoln Town CAR Steering Problems

“Lower steering shaft is binding at 25,000 miles I find this to be a defect ford should be required to pay for. This defect makes steering very hard, like having limited power steering, and it grabs and binds as you turn the wheel. I replaced the part at my own expense, part #5w1z-3b676-aa and installed it myself. It cost 168.00 usd, with a discount. This is the second Town Car I have had to do this repair to.”

“Consider including town cars in the latest ford crown vic, merc gran marquis, marauder 500k car steering issue. While changing the oil on my 2003 Town Car one month ago, I found a heat shield from the exhaust manifold laying parallel to and on the steering shaft stuck between the shaft and the upper control arm support and vehicle frame. The bolts holding the shield as well as mounting tabs on the shield had rusted and broken off. Very scary to see since the universal joint midway on the shaft could have easily jammed on the shield while steering to the left I.e. …”

“This vehicle has the same hard steering issues as our other town cars. The newer ones were recalled, but the 2003 & 2004 were not included in that recall. Upon examination, it is determined the lower steering shaft is corroded and the cause of these issues, as explained in Lincoln's 13s01 recall. Why is this vehicle not recalled as well?”

“13s08 campaign for lower/upper steering shaft replacement covers 2005-2011 crown victoria/grand marquis/Town Car, but not the 2003-2004, which have the same parts. My 2003 Lincoln Town Car is having the issue addressed by 13s08, but is not covered by the campaign.”

“When putting vehicle in motion, steering is stiff. Power steering oil level is proper at appropriate level. The local mechanic indicated that the steering mechanism is at fault. When driving the vehicle on street, steering is difficult but manageable.”