+2001 Ford Explorer Power Steering Rack Replacement

[lowflying90]

My explorer is leaking power steering fluid from the passenger side boot on the steering rack. any tips on how to go about removing the rack to make my job easier? thanks.

 

[97ford50x]

The first thing is disconect the battery lock the steering wheel in place jack up and suport front end disconect the lines and let it drain for a little while so you do not get covered in fluid undo outer tie rods from the spindles disconect steering shaft then remove the bolts holding the rack in place and you are out

 

[carlover]

If you remove the passenger side inner tie rod it will make a world of difference fishing the old rack out.

 

[lowflying90]

2001 ford explorer sport

i finally started taking the rack out yesterday. anyone know the easiest way to disconnect the lines going into it from the powersteering pump? should i unbolt it from the cross brace and tie rods and try to twist it so i can get on them with a wrench?

thanks,
jeff

 

[carlover]

That would probably be the easiest way to do it. Those damn fittings are a pain to get off and on...

 

[96eb96]

2001 ford explorer sport

i finally started taking the rack out yesterday. anyone know the easiest way to disconnect the lines going into it from the powersteering pump? should i unbolt it from the cross brace and tie rods and try to twist it so i can get on them with a wrench?

thanks,
jeff

If you are going thru all this hassle I would cut and replace them. They are cheap. I had two corrode out and spring a leak. One was a $5 external thin tube on the rack that saved me from replacing the rack.