Why does my 1999 Ford Taurus Car smoke when i turn the steering wheel all the way?

Answer 1

It sounds like your Power Steering system may have a leak in it.

Check your Power Steering hoses and cap for cracking or leaking. If the hoses are worn or cracked, under intense pressures from full lock operation (turning the wheel all the way) the hoses may spray power steering fluid onto the front exhaust manifold, causing it to evaporate or cook. This can cause the characteristic smoke you are describing. On many Taurus's there is a power steering cooler (a tube that has fins on it) located under the radiator and behind the bottom bumper opening. Check the cooler, and the hoses for leaking there as well as it is possible that they too can spray fluid onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Also, do not turn your steering to full lock while the vehicle is stopped. The tremendous forces can cause damage to the power steering pump and associated hoses. If the need arises for full lock operation, do so for only a small amount of time (less than 5 seconds) and make sure to have the vehicle moving slightly (forwards or reverse) to lessen the load on the power steering assembly.