1999 FORD WINDSTAR — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

HOSE WAS REPLACED AT LEE JARMON FORD IN CARROLLTON, TX (DIFFERENT FROM PURCHASED DEALER GIVEN ABOVE) IN CONJUNCTION WITH A FAILED POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACEMENT. HOSE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SENT FROM ANOTHER DEALER. HOSE HAS BUILT IN BEND CAUSING IT TO CONTACT EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHEN INSTALLED AND FAIL DUE TO HEAT. FAILED HOSE LEAKED FLUID ONTO CATALYTIC CONVERTER DIRECTLY BELOW AND FIRE RESULTED. DUE TO PROXIMITY TO A LOCAL CAR REPAIR SHOP FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WERE USED TO PUT IT OUT IMMEDIATELY. A 2ND HOSE OBTAINED FROM FORD HAS SAME BEND. LEE JARMON HAS REPLACED WITH 2ND HOSE AND RESTRAINED WITH NYLON CABLE CLAMPS FROM CONTACTING EXHAUST. I HAVE ADVISED TO USE STAINLESS STEEL CLAMP SINCE PROXIMITY OF EXHAUST WILL FAIL NYLON CLAMPS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT WHICH WILL RESULT IN A FIRE TO THE NEXT PERSON WHO HAS A POWER STEERING HOSE REPLACED. MY WIFE AND 3 YEAR OLD WERE SAVED BY OUTSIDE OBSERVERS AND THE VEHICLE SAVED ONLY BY LUCK AND QUICK ACTING CAR REPAIR SHOP EMPLOYEES.