1993 Tie Rod Problem?

[scoobo]

First off I want to thank everyone who contributes to this forum. I have been a long time reader of this forum and you all have helped me out greatly with numerous ?'s I have had with my '93 EB 4wd Explorer. OK...now to the problem. I have had a clunking under the front suspension for a little while now and I figured it was the RA bushings and I was going to tackle the problem "eventually". I only drive a few hundred miles a month so it wasn't too high up on my priority list until recently. I replaced the rotors, brake pads, and repacked the bearings a couple weeks ago and everything was fine until a couple days ago my steering wheel started shaking back and forth pretty noticeably (a good inch back and forth) and the noise underneath the car has increased. I got underneath and looked at the tie rod ends and the drivers side was completely vertical but the passengers side was tilted toward the front end. I am pretty sure it's the tie rod ends but just wanted your opinions before I work on it. P.S.- I am a newbie to doing suspension/steering work but from the posts I have read it doesn't seem like too much of a task. Also, how would I tell if the inner tie rod is shot? Thanks ahead of time and I Have searched just want to be sure!

 

[r8ter316]

I got the clunk in the front of my 94 EB too..I still havent pin pointed the problem yet tho. My shocks are garbage..I need to replace everything...My abs light came on today too so now im thinking that could be contributing to my clunk too.

 

[joedirt00]

i had a mechanic replace my wheel bearings a while back. after he did I had a real bad shake like you are describing. I ended up replacing the rack and pinon to fix it. I kinda thought the mechanic might have messed something up but needed my ride for work and went ahead and fixed it. haven't had the problem sense. he also resurfaced a rotor when he did the bearings.

 

[Tbars4]

i am currently fixing this problem on my project X...i bought it a month ago and the front end pulled to the right due to the rack not being fixed...if you stepped on the brake or took off from a stop, or even just driving normal speed, i would get a clunk...the passenger side tie rod is very common to replace...before you get that part, start your truck up and have someone shimmy the steering wheel back and forth quickly and look where the pitman arm connects to the draglink...if it is sloppy there too, pick up the draglink a.k.a. centerlink, for 32 bucks or so and the passenger side tie rod for about 22 bucks...i am not saying this will resolve your total problem but this is a common fix and resolves most...for another 20 bucks or so i would also replace the drivers side tie rod just so it is all done and then go directly to get an alignment, i hope this helps...

 

[scoobo]

Well my Explorer is now driving better than it has been in the past 5 years. I replaced the tie rod ends last night (a lot easier than expected) and took it out for a test run and the horrible steering wheel shake ceased. Took her in this morning for an alignment and headed to the highway. To be quite honest this car was downright "scary" at speeds over 60 before but just got her up to 85 with no shaking at all. I almost feel as if I had a new car....until my sunroof leaked water on me haha...ahhh the joys of explorers. Anyway thanks everyone again for contributing to this forum...I'm sure you all have helped out more people than ever imaginable!

 

[Tbars4]

i am glad to here your back on the road with that big explorer smile, lol...be sure to edit your name and signature so people can see what your truck yr/model etc. is and where you are located...it greatly helps in your responses to questions on your truck...if you look on the forums list under trim?, you should find some info on how to fix that sunroof too...goodluck...

 

[Potomac30]

I had a clunk noise in the front end of my 93 when stopping, turning. The bolts connecting the sway bar were loose, so I tightened them up and the clunk went away.