Can you JUST replace the U-Joint on Lower Steering Shaft???

[fast_dave]

I have a 1998 Explorer Sport 4WD w/ an X Engine (OHV) and a Standard 5 Speed Transmission.

I highly suspect that the U-Joint that connects the Steering Shaft to the Rack and Pinion Input shaft.

A replacement Lower Steering Shaft w/ U-Joint from FORD is around $276.

A DISCOUNTED replacement Lower Steering Shaft w/ U-Joint off the internet from Fast Parts Network .Com is around $185.

QUESTIONS:

* Has anybody ever removed the Lower Steering Shaft on a 1998 (Or Newer) 4wd Explorer and JUST REPLACED the U-Joint that goes bad???

* I Imagine that FORD welded one end of the u-joint to the Lower Steering Shaft, and at the other end of the U-Joint would be the "pinch bolt" - IS THIS THE CASE OR???????

* Does anybody have a good pic of a 1998 or newer Lower Steering Shaft that has been removed, and that you can clearly see the universal joint that goes bad that would really help as I find a good picture is often worth MORE THAN a 1,000 words....

TIA,
fast_dave

 

[fast_dave]

Lower coupling - with tilt wheel: $231 Wholesale part!!!

* You mean to tell me that no one out there has rebuilt one? ;-)

 

[donalds]

My 99 has a split boot I wanted to remove the shaft and disassemble it clean it and install a new boot
Any suggestions

 

[fast_dave]

@donalds

With regards to the u-joint, check out the 2013 link within my Post #11 of this link.

Around page 2 of the link, guys provide part numbers and links to BOTH Summit Racing & Amazon - the steering shaft upgrade parts are still out there.

Of course, you could get lucky on Ebay and find a NOS factory replacement - it does happen

As far as a new protective boot - I've seen guys use shock absorber bellows, silicon rtv on both ends to waterproof, and finally cinch down with opposing zip-ties.

Hope that is what you're looking for and hope this helps -

Link: [2nd gen 2000] Huge play on steering wheel

 

[donalds]

Thanks for all the info
My shaft is not messing up yes just a torn boot

Seems the best way is a new power steering bellow Boot

$250 for a new old stock wow..found on eBay

I'm surprised that they still exist

This will be happening this weekend pull update as I go

 

[fast_dave]

@donalds

One of the guys in that link talked about Grainger OR McMaster-Carr offering "proper" rubber bellows as well.

Also will add that if you run larger than stock tires - it might be worth it to pick up a NOS assembly while you can - ask SANTA to put it under the tree this year ;-) (NOS = New Old Stock for the kids that have recently joined)

You can see from the link what's involved with the alternative - and that's just parts without the labor & fitting & welding.

I am kind of shocked that after all these years, this particular part (intermediate & lower steering shaft) is the one part that keeps coming back on the forum and there's STILL no aftermarket "plug & play" alternative.

Regardless - good luck and update this thread with your progress & pics!

 

[RickOTR]

I just used some old electrical tape and wrapped it around the entire boot. It's been like that for 12 years without a problem.

 

[donalds]

Ok I got lucky
Or I'm just ocd about my maintenance

Looks good imo

 

[donalds]

All I used is wd40 to clean
I used Molly grease ...what appears to be in there
A plastic syringe
A pick to carefully move the seal out of the way .....must be clean if yours isn't don't do it

Yes the syringe will pack the needle bearings
And reach the ball joint in between the u joints
I worked the grease in by moving the joint around
Then regressed
Finally I filled in between the u joints with grease

Dorman Products - 090-033

Oil Drain Plug Standard M14-1.50, Head Size 17mm

www.dormanproducts.com

dorman 03670
I put the boot in hot water for heat
Stretch the boot and install

I'm hoping that this helps someone someday

@fast_dave sorry for hijacking your thread

 

[masospaghetti]

@donalds looks good! Any tricks/tips to removing and installing it?

 

[donalds]

Yeah
Turn the steering wheel so that the bolt on the bottom of the shaft is pointing forward then lock the steering wheel so you don't break the clock spring when you un bolt the shaft

 

[RickOTR]

All I used is wd40 to clean
I used Molly grease ...what appears to be in there
A plastic syringe
A pick to carefully move the seal out of the way .....must be clean if yours isn't don't do it

Yes the syringe will pack the needle bearings
And reach the ball joint in between the u joints
I worked the grease in by moving the joint around
Then regressed
Finally I filled in between the u joints with grease

Dorman Products - 090-033

Oil Drain Plug Standard M14-1.50, Head Size 17mm

www.dormanproducts.com

dorman 03670
I put the boot in hot water for heat
Stretch the boot and install View attachment 323658View attachment 323659
I'm hoping that this helps someone someday

@fast_dave sorry for hijacking your thread

I was thinking about that boot but wasn't sure it would fit. Someday I'll give it a try. Nice find.

 

[masospaghetti]

Hmm, my shaft has a bit of looseness to it, not sure where it's loose yet. Looks like where the lower pinch bolt is.

I did notice that the factory Ford shaft is still available for around $230-260 online, and Dorman makes a direct replacement (Dorman 425-368). Just FYI

 

[donalds]

I seen the dorman unit
Lucky mine wasn't to far gone

 

[fast_dave]

@donalds

Thanks so much for really rounding out this thread - glad that you revived it and added to it!

That Dorman 03670 boot looks really good - like it was made for it - great idea using hot water to evenly heat it up!

 

[fast_dave]

Hmm, my shaft has a bit of looseness to it, not sure where it's loose yet. Looks like where the lower pinch bolt is.

I did notice that the factory Ford shaft is still available for around $230-260 online, and Dorman makes a direct replacement (Dorman 425-368). Just FYI

View attachment 323669

@masospaghetti


Great find! After all these years, looks like Dorman finally stepped up to the plate and added this to their line up!

Just for long term thread info: (Dorman 425-368) is currently $170 @ Amazon

LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083V86TJ9/?tag=serious-20

 

[masospaghetti]

Yeah
Turn the steering wheel so that the bolt on the bottom of the shaft is pointing forward then lock the steering wheel so you don't break the clock spring when you un bolt the shaft

When the lower and upper pinch bolts are removed, does the shaft just come out?

Conceptually it sounds easy...but somehow I can imagine it not being so easy

 

[donalds]

hen the lower and upper pinch bolts are removed, does the shaft just come out?

Yes
And it takes 5min to remove easy

 

[FORD FOR LIFE]

I have a 1998 Explorer Sport 4WD w/ an X Engine (OHV) and a Standard 5 Speed Transmission.

I highly suspect that the U-Joint that connects the Steering Shaft to the Rack and Pinion Input shaft.

A replacement Lower Steering Shaft w/ U-Joint from FORD is around $276.

A DISCOUNTED replacement Lower Steering Shaft w/ U-Joint off the internet from Fast Parts Network .Com is around $185.

QUESTIONS:

* Has anybody ever removed the Lower Steering Shaft on a 1998 (Or Newer) 4wd Explorer and JUST REPLACED the U-Joint that goes bad???

* I Imagine that FORD welded one end of the u-joint to the Lower Steering Shaft, and at the other end of the U-Joint would be the "pinch bolt" - IS THIS THE CASE OR???????

* Does anybody have a good pic of a 1998 or newer Lower Steering Shaft that has been removed, and that you can clearly see the universal joint that goes bad that would really help as I find a good picture is often worth MORE THAN a 1,000 words....

TIA,
fast_dave

It is unfortunate no one has answered your question, if the u joint only can be replaced.

I had asked a dealer if they had the rubber booth and they said "no" now after a few years the steering became "tight" took it to a mechanic and the steering moves easily now but has play in the steering lower U joint (and the steering wheel).

So I ask again for you, is there a way to only change out the U joint and not the whole shaft? If yes where to buy it. As the replacement is $350.

 

[donalds]

So I ask again for you, is there a way to only change out the U joint and not the whole shaft? If yes where to buy it. As the replacement is $350.

The answer is no you cannot take it apart and replace the joint
Manny have tried many have failed including myself
I suggest going to the junkyard getting a used joint then Installing power steering boot over it after lubricating it