azaizai
Active Member
- Joined
- August 19, 2009
- Messages
- 51
- Reaction score
- 0
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1996 Explorer XLT
Well, my one debilitating injury for the weekend came in the steering.
On a 3 trail (called Guard Rail, I think...looks like this only washed out and dug out http://s235.photobucket.com/albums/ee91/schrecengost/SMORR/SMORR%20WFTW%2008_AUG_2009/?action=view¤t=SMORR08AUG2009AnthonyGuardrail47.mp4) I kept getting high centered about half way up the hill. I made a few attempts, trying different speeds and lines but I'd always manage to get one wheel in a ditch and the transfer case skit on the hump. I almost got the passenger side wheel on the far side of the bank...but the all terrains just didnt have the lugs to gain ground.
Well...after getting winched up the hill, I noticed my steering was odd. It would steer perfectly left but anything to the right was like there was no power assist at all. I stopped the rig and popped the hood. Fluid level was fine and with the motor running the fluid was spinning around like the pump was pushing just fine. There was no hum/whine from the pump so I assumed it wasnt the cause. Looking underneath I found no leaks, no wetness and both tie-rods were in their original shape. I couldnt find any bent lines or anything...so I just assumed that somewhere in the process of trying to shove that passenger side up onto the bank, the old steering rack got busted.
I drove back to camp and debated a hasty parts run...then just decided to take it easy (it was 6pm anyway...and I had beer to drink). For better or worse I drove it home and found the steering decent within a limited left/right range. Anything beyond "gradual turn" to the right was met with resistance but no stoppage.
I'll have to replace the rack, I imagine. I cant think of anything else that would cause the problem...but I'll also get to take a closer look when I get it on a lift.
On a 3 trail (called Guard Rail, I think...looks like this only washed out and dug out http://s235.photobucket.com/albums/ee91/schrecengost/SMORR/SMORR%20WFTW%2008_AUG_2009/?action=view¤t=SMORR08AUG2009AnthonyGuardrail47.mp4) I kept getting high centered about half way up the hill. I made a few attempts, trying different speeds and lines but I'd always manage to get one wheel in a ditch and the transfer case skit on the hump. I almost got the passenger side wheel on the far side of the bank...but the all terrains just didnt have the lugs to gain ground.
Well...after getting winched up the hill, I noticed my steering was odd. It would steer perfectly left but anything to the right was like there was no power assist at all. I stopped the rig and popped the hood. Fluid level was fine and with the motor running the fluid was spinning around like the pump was pushing just fine. There was no hum/whine from the pump so I assumed it wasnt the cause. Looking underneath I found no leaks, no wetness and both tie-rods were in their original shape. I couldnt find any bent lines or anything...so I just assumed that somewhere in the process of trying to shove that passenger side up onto the bank, the old steering rack got busted.
I drove back to camp and debated a hasty parts run...then just decided to take it easy (it was 6pm anyway...and I had beer to drink). For better or worse I drove it home and found the steering decent within a limited left/right range. Anything beyond "gradual turn" to the right was met with resistance but no stoppage.
I'll have to replace the rack, I imagine. I cant think of anything else that would cause the problem...but I'll also get to take a closer look when I get it on a lift.
