2003 Windstar suspension maintenance

[sarity945]

2003 Ford Windstar 3.8L

Carfax reposrt shows 'Steering/suspension lubricated" "'Steering/suspension checked" at 61000 miles.

I thought why not get the steering, suspension, wheel bearings lubricated and create some positive maintenance karma. Went to a mechanic. He says the van may not even have grease zerks and it is pointless to grease them as you just replace the part when its broken. I didn't tell him about the Carfax report.

Van is running fine. No squeaks, no groans etc. but i am confused now. If the van doesn't have grease zerks then what about the carfax entries?

What do our experts here suggest? Should i pursue the lubing goal? I am reading some mixed opinions about if not done right then the possibility of accumulating dirt etc.

Thanks

 

[GMBoy]

Carfax is not the holy grail for accuracy so don't even worry about that. If the vehicle is serviceable (has zerks) then a good lube service is very good to do. Just don't over fill the boots and they won't tear and cause dirt to collect and additional wear. Feel the boot and pump 2-3 squirts in and feel that the boot is taking the grease. If you can feel it filling up stop when it's firm but not hard.

 

[skyactiv]

A Carfax report means zilch on a such a vehicle. Those things went to the salvage yard quick like the forgotten Ford Contour.

 

[sarity945]

A Carfax report means zilch on a such a vehicle. Those things went to the salvage yard quick like the forgotten Ford Contour.

Ok, Mr. skywalker. How about a contextual suggestion, if you have anything to contribute?

Read the post and what it is asking?

 

[skyactiv]

Ok, Mr. skywalker. How about a contextual suggestion, if you have anything to contribute?

Read the post and what it is asking?

If it's not broke, don't fix it.

 

[sarity945]

If it's not broke, don't fix it.

Now that's more like it ;-)

All suggestions are welcome.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Do you have any problems with the suspension? Any noises or vibration or anything? Any irregular tire wear?

 

[sarity945]

Do you have any problems with the suspension? Any noises or vibration or anything? Any irregular tire wear?

None at all.

 

[sarity945]

None at all. Just thought it might be a good idea to do it. I

 

[sarity945]

opps there may be a webiste glitch. I wanted to edit my post but it generated a new post

 

[cptbarkey]

Get down there and start inspecting for grease zerks.

Find the service manual online in PDF format and read it.

Report back your findings. Good luck.

 

[andyd]

Owners of 1998-2003 Windstar minivans already know their rear axles can rust and snap in half. Ford recalled more than half a million between 2010 and 2012 to install “reinforcement brackets,” some of which were poorly installed and would not support the axle in the event of a sudden fracture.Sep 30, 2015

 

[sarity945]

Owners of 1998-2003 Windstar minivans already know their rear axles can rust and snap in half. Ford recalled more than half a million between 2010 and 2012 to install “reinforcement brackets,” some of which were poorly installed and would not support the axle in the event of a sudden fracture.Sep 30, 2015

ok....and? What's that got to do with op? Or you had an itch like our brother skywalker above?

 

[bullwinkle]

2003 Ford Windstar 3.8L

Carfax reposrt shows 'Steering/suspension lubricated" "'Steering/suspension checked" at 61000 miles.

I thought why not get the steering, suspension, wheel bearings lubricated and create some positive maintenance karma. Went to a mechanic. He says the van may not even have grease zerks and it is pointless to grease them as you just replace the part when its broken. I didn't tell him about the Carfax report.

Van is running fine. No squeaks, no groans etc. but i am confused now. If the van doesn't have grease zerks then what about the carfax entries?

What do our experts here suggest? Should i pursue the lubing goal? I am reading some mixed opinions about if not done right then the possibility of accumulating dirt etc.

Thanks

Sounds like someone “pencil-whipped” the oil change report! They all say “lube, oil, filter” even if they don’t lube anything…

 

[sarity945]

One of the questions asked in op is there a benefit to periodic lubing of the suspension, bearings, steering?

In our days of sealed bearings and such how effective is such a maintenance practice?

To be clear, if there are no grease zerks in the vehicle it can be ssafely assumed the vehichle doesn't need it? Or should we still go ahead and do it?

 

[bullwinkle]

One of the questions asked in op is there a benefit to periodic lubing of the suspension, bearings, steering?

In our days of sealed bearings and such how effective is such a maintenance practice?

To be clear, if there are no grease zerks in the vehicle it can be ssafely assumed the vehichle doesn't need it? Or should we still go ahead and do it?

On suspension parts without grease zerks/fittings it can be done with a needle on a grease gun-but no one is going to do it. When I had co. vans with replacement parts, I had to remind the techs to lube them… And check diff gear oil levels, etc. I’m not aware of any way to relube sealed wheel bearing assemblies, just replace them.

 

[sarity945]

@bullwinkle

Is pencil whipping common in dealer service stations?

@cptbarkey

No zerks.

 

[92saturnsl2]

A Carfax report means zilch on a such a vehicle. Those things went to the salvage yard quick like the forgotten Ford Contour.

Ford paid some $7K to buy back the one we had at work years ago. There was serious structural defects (rear axle snapping IIRC) that would occur if you happened to live in a salt belt state. Even in southern IL, the dealer condemned ours and said it wasn't safe to drive.

There was another serious defect (I forgot what it was) that was also eligible for a buy back.

 

[We're Metals]

I cant believe some of these are still on the road.