99 Explorer 4.0 SHOC Front temporary shakes after flat towing.

[Madmac61]

I finally have my 4x4 “99” Explorer XLT where I can flat tow. I hooked it up for the first time and drove around the block to make sure everything worked properly, and it did without any problem. I disconnected the Explorer and turned the steering, to
my suprise the front end shook violently. I checked the power steering fluid and it’s full. I turned the steering back and forth a few times and backed up and then drove forward. front end stopped shaking and drives as good as always. Is it possible I have air in my power steering lines and if this happened just driving around the block, what happens when I flat tow it 500 plus miles. Can this damage my Explorer?

while flat towing I did have my Explorer in Neutral tow and the steering wheel unlocked.

I appreciate any feedback

Mac

 

[drdoom]

Mac, that does sound like air. Just turn the steering wheel just like you did, that should bleed it.

 

[Madmac61]

Mac, that does sound like air. Just turn the steering wheel just like you did, that should bleed it.

Thank You!

 

[XLTrunner]

That would make sense. Same as if you had the front end on jacks and manually turned the wheels back and forth. It's well documented that this will introduce air into the pwr steering system...causing the violent shaking until it's bled.

 

[MakinJeepsWeep!]

First off I know roughly 0 about flat towing. However as a thought, I would think air would be a good suspect wheels turn one way, make fluid go down, no pump running to keep resivor full so bang air in system. Also I think I would be very timid when filling the PS fluid to make sure it's definitely not over full at all since the pump won't be moving it around. Hope that makes sense!

 

[Madmac61]

That would make sense. Same as if you had the front end on jacks and manually turned the wheels back and forth. It's well documented that this will introduce air into the pwr steering system...causing the violent shaking until it's bled.

Thanks for the reply!
Mac

 

[Madmac61]

First off I know roughly 0 about flat towing. However as a thought, I would think air would be a good suspect wheels turn one way, make fluid go down, no pump running to keep resivor full so bang air in system. Also I think I would be very timid when filling the PS fluid to make sure it's definitely not over full at all since the pump won't be moving it around. Hope that makes sense!

Thank you for the reply!