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Ford Aerostar

520 messages,  Last post on Nov 16, 2009 at 4:57 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Aerostar, Van


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#154 of 520
Steering wheel shimmy by dogsrule
May 10, 2001 (5:27 pm)
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Hello,
 
I have a '91 Aero sport with 90k miles. Its run well and is practically a new van.
 
But it has this steering wheel shimmy from 50 mph up and intensifies through 75+. The only thing not replaced so far is the ball joints and tie rod ends.
 
Have any one out there had a similiar problem? My dealer says everything is OK. Yea, right. Let him put his kids in there.
 
Any input appreciated.
#155 of 520
Aerostar's are great! If you're a mechanic... by 93saturnsl1
May 10, 2001 (8:06 pm)
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My family bought a new '88 Aerostar in January of that year. From the get go we had problems, like stalling out and not starting while the drive out tag was still in the window, but we loved it nonetheless. We took it on several vacations, and I drove it all through high school (I was pretty popular being able to haul 7+ people!). The engine (3.0) seems to be amazing, although everything else around it falls apart. We maintained it rather anally... oil changes every 3k religiously, always checking the fluids, anything we could do. It still decided to go through 3 transmissions, with the O/D having gone out long ago in the present one. Blower motor, wiper motor (2x), brakes and rotors out the ying yang, fuel pumps (3), exhaust, tie rods, several a/c recharges (finally had the O-rings replaced about 5 yrs ago, and STILL blows cold with no recharges since), and about 3 heater cores. The engine, on the other hand, has had no repairs... completely original and runs strong with 176,000 on the odo now. Even with all of the nickel and diming, we still love it, and its still on the road every day. I have no doubt it'll go well into the 200k's. Well, hopefully since everything surrounding the engine is either new or repaired.
#156 of 520
Buying a Used Aerostar by dcomps
May 17, 2001 (4:38 am)
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I'm looking at a 97 AWD Extended Aerostar. Its in great shape with 53K miles. Two thing bother me about its performance. I drove it on a stretch of freeway at 75 mph and got some vibration in the steering wheel. I could also see the rest of the van vibrating. Not a major vibe. But, just enough to bug me on a trip. No vibe at lower mph. Also, at idle, there is a slight miss in the engine after its been warmed up. Any ideas?
#157 of 520
dcomps reply by dogsrule
May 19, 2001 (2:16 am)
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Dcomps: I asked about this a few messages back on my '91 with 91K miles. Your situation could be anywhere from the rubber up to the steering wheel. It will take time and a logical place to start and just begin.
 
I started with the rubber and made sure it was balanced, eventually had to replace the rotors, bearings, balance, alignment. I had the dealer check the ball joints and arms to "OK" but i still suspect its either them or the rack itself.
 
Only problem is they just had to put in the 4th alternator after it caught fire. ther is a 12/12 warrrantee on Ford parts but with 10 months/14K on this alternator they refused right up to Dearborn to assist with replacement despite a TSB and a dozen NHTSA reports of exactly this fire hazard.
 
POINT: Nice van, but it's discontinued, out of warrantee, and Ford won't back you up. I love my Aerostar depsite all the other work. But like like a family dog, once it bites your little girls face, better get rid of it. And this possible van is beginning to growl.
 
I'm looking for a 2000+ Odyssea replacement.
 
Have a nice day!
#158 of 520
dcomps by drew_
May 19, 2001 (6:48 pm)
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You may be interested in the Aerostar's IIHS 40mph front offset crash test results. Please click on the link below:
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/96023.htm
 

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

#159 of 520
Leaky Aerostar reply to splinx by wmy99
May 27, 2001 (12:55 pm)
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I own a 1991 Aerostar, XLT, extended van, 3 litre engine with 160,000 miles.
 
I experienced a steady water leak at the top of my window located behind the driver's seat.
 
After inspection from the outside of the vehicle, I noticed the plastic window frame of the side, sliding window had lifted away at the top from the metal leaving a space.
 
I filled this space all along the top of the window from the outside with clear windshield sealer. (clear silicone sealer can be used also, available at your hardware store). This stopped the leak.
 
If leaking still persists, I would check your roof rack where it is attached to the roof.
#160 of 520
Would I buy another Aerostar? NO!! by wmy99
May 27, 2001 (1:09 pm)
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I own a 1991 Aerostar, XLT, extended van, 3 litre engine with 160,000 miles.
 
- Since 1992 this vehicle has had these problems:
  
- All engine gaskets were changed under warranty.
- Chronic brake problems, rear calipers, emergency brake not releasing.
- Leaks at windows.
- Outside door handles and inside window power controls constantly breaking.
- Heater/defroster/airconditioning needs constant repair.
- Balanced driveshaft goes out of balance, needs replacement.
- The Aerostar has no weight at the back of the vehicle and can be very dangerous to drive in slippery and snowy conditions.
- Trade-in value of Aerostar is pathetic so you are forced to keep driving the vehicle.
- Engine lights, brake lights flash on & off, gas guage swings back & forth. It's like having an Arcade Game built in your dash.
- Yes, the 3.0 litre engine has been dependable (after changing all gaskets} and the bucket seats are comfortable.
 
- If you want to be on the 1st name basis with your mechanic buy an Aerostar.
#161 of 520
Oil Pan Gasket? by steinbrecher
Jun 27, 2001 (11:05 am)
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Has anyone had to replace their oil Pan gasket? I have a '95 XLT with a 3.0 Liter engine.
 
I'm looking at about $400. Any reccomendations for service? I live in Atlanta.
 
TIA (Thanks in Advance).
#162 of 520
Aerostar reliability by corsicachevy
Jun 27, 2001 (12:26 pm)
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One of my friends bought a 1997 Aerostar a few years back and I teased her. I told her that the van, while very utilitarian and pleasant to ride in, was terribly unreliable. Boy was I wrong.
 
I'm not sure how many miles she has racked up, but it must be well over 60,000 - its her daily driver - and she has not had one problem. Zero. Zilch. Original brakes, belts, hoses, exhaust - everything. It has been a perfect vehicle. And despite its dated styling, it still looks like a new vehicle. She must have found a real peach.
#163 of 520
steinbrecher... by dogsrule
Jun 27, 2001 (6:01 pm)
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as someone who oves their Aerostar like an abused child loves their parent, I recommend saving your cash for more necessary things. You'll never drip $400 oil out that pan. Unless you've got a REAL PROBLEM with it, save it for that "will save your kids lives" type of repair.

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