Diagnose 93 Steering Problem

[cvxmike]

My stock everything 1993 Explorer XLT has a steering problem. After turning a corner it takes more than usual steering force to return the wheel to the center position. As a driver I have altered my steering force to accommodate for this problem.

Please tell me what to replace. Is it a faulty pump, steering gear, or what?

Thanks much!

Mike Petersen

 

[Foggman]

sounds like it might be the steering gear box..I know you can adjust them with that screw/bolt on top of the gear box its self but I have never done it on mine so I couldn't tell you any kind of proceedure. I just replaced my gear box the other day...it was a pain! Good luck

 

[MAXIMIS1]

does it have moments of ok return like is it more troublesome while its cold or hot is it always a a problem? the box play can be adj. however its more for box play or looseness. have someone turn the stearing wheel left to right very slightly, you look at box noticeing the arm witch connects to stearing components {lower} and the movenment of the shaft into the box {connected to stearing wheel} you should see allmost instant movement of the lower arm as the shaft turns. can be done best with engine not running.

 

[cvxmike]

I drive 10 miles to work and the problem is the same at the start of the trip as it is at the end of the trip. The 93 explorer has 140K miles on it and the steering gear box is the original. For preventive maintenance I replaced the power steering pump with a rebuilt pump 2 years and 15K miles ago. BTW I no longer by rebuilt parts.

 

[DeRocha]

As the others have indicated you can adjust the steering gear for looseness or tightness.. You need to use several long socket extensions and loosen the nut on top of the gear. You then use a large screwdriver to turn the inner shaft clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen (no more than a turn or so).. Tighten up the adjuster nut, then start the engine and check for play by moving the steering wheel left, then right.. If The gear is too tight you'll immiedietely know as it will feel like you don't have power steering at all... In that case repeat the above and loosen the gear some more...

 

[cvxmike]

Thank you to all that gave advice!

Does adjusting for looseness or tightness change the both the turning and returning required force?

Why would this go out of adjustment at 13 years and 140K miles?

I plan to try is adjustment soon.

THANKS MUCH!

 

[cvxmike]

The solution to this problem surprised me. The problem was solved with all new front ball joints (upper & lower) and 2 new front universal joints.

After my last posting my 93 explorer started making a front end growling noise and pulling to the right. I took it to my local mechanic. He diagnosed the problem and implemented the above solution. I have put 150 miles on it since. All is well.