03 ls squeeky steering wheel...still under warranty?

[blacked03ls]

I just picked up an 03 lincoln ls w/ 34k on it. I got it at dealer cost because i work there but i did not by a warranty. Would this be covered under factory warranty? the squeek is only at low speeds and you can deff. feel it.

 

[n8bachelor]

It depends on what your in service date is. Once your 4 years or 50,000 miles is up that is all you get.
My 04 had the same problem with the steering wheel noise/vibration at parking lot speeds. Dealer put some friction modifier in the PS fluid but it didnt help so they ended up replacing the whole steering rack.

good luck.
n8

 

[ToddG]

I just picked up an 03 lincoln ls w/ 34k on it. I got it at dealer cost because i work there but i did not by a warranty. Would this be covered under factory warranty? the squeek is only at low speeds and you can deff. feel it.

This is a well-known issue in the 2003 LS. There is a 2-stage fix outlined in a TSB (I'm too lazy to find the number right now). First step is to add friction modifier to the PS fluid. If that doesn't fix the problem, the steering rack is to be replaced.

Nate is correct, you should check the in-service date to see if the factory warranty is still in effect. If it isn't, you're hosed. Replacing the rack is about $700.

 

[Archer28]

My 03 has a buzzy feeling sometimes in parking lots when I turn the wheel. Reminds me of zipping your fingernails down nylon. Is that what you are describing?

It seems to come and go and isn't really bad, just something I noticed.

I have time left on my factory warranty, should I be getting this fixed soon?

 

[ToddG]

My 03 has a buzzy feeling sometimes in parking lots when I turn the wheel. Reminds me of zipping your fingernails down nylon. Is that what you are describing?

It seems to come and go and isn't really bad, just something I noticed.

I have time left on my factory warranty, should I be getting this fixed soon?

Yep, that's the problem. Sounds like yours is in the early phases. The noise will get worse, but its not a safety issue, if that's what you're concerned about. If you have time on the warranty, get it fixed. The TSB for the fix is TSB 04-10-1.

For those out of warranty, I posted a fix on the LLSOC board, which followed the first steps of TSB 04-10-1. It was to remove about 50 ml (about 10 teaspoons) of power steering fluid with a turkey baster and replace it with 50 ml of Motorcraft Additive Friction Modifier (Part No. XL-3 available at any Ford or LM dealer). Full disclosure, I've never tried this fix myself. However others have tried it and say it works.