1997 ford explorer

[devil3]

Hey guys so im planning on buying a 1997 ford explorer. I have a few questions to ask you guys. What could be the cause of grinding when turning? It doesn't matter what speed it is at when you turn the car a soft grinding noise is heard something like rust rubbing against rust. Also is it a good deal to get a 1997 explorer with 225k miles for $500?? I am looking for a super cheap daily driver and will need it to run for a good year before i can spend money on getting it fixed.

 

[jlsparky7]

Yes its a good deal if it runs.

The grinding could be the power steering or bad wheel bearings.

 

[devil3]

oh ok thank you and how much does that usually cost?? the wheel bearings that is? and also how long should i expect the engine to last?

 

[Marcyplaygrownd]

Keep the oil changed and it will last awhile. Wheel bearings are cheap and easy to change yourself.

 

[bostoninflorida]

im no mechanic, but have a 97 explorer and have been doing some work on it over the years. it could be the bearings need to be repacked or replaced. do you hear a rattling like loose metal when you go over a speed bump or bumps in general? could be the sway bar links are gone? this can cause the ball joint control arm to be rubbing on the inside of the rim when you make a turn.
my explorer has about 300,000. miles and has never broken down on me. when something goes wrong i replace it w/new parts as soon as possible. keeping up with oil changes and regular maint. helps..

 

[windsors03cobra]

Unless its some kind of person you know giving you a deal type of thing.
For $500 I wouldn't expect to be "reliable" per se I would expect to put $500 into the first year if not more.
Grinding in the front when turning ? Could be anything, for $500 it probably needs everything. Just sayin.