:( Explorer Front End wobbles when I hit bumps

[tenikiwon]

Thanks robert

 

[xtal]

I had the front shocks replaced (only the front). I can tellthat it does ride smoother, but I can still feel the wooble, just not as bad. Possibly I am just feeling this in the back and cannot tell where it is coming from. I will drive it for a week or 2 and decide if I should get the back done too.....

 

[X-1]

If you feel it in the steering wheel, then front end issue, if you feel it in the seat, then rear issue, sorry to sound so vague, but I own a 93, and I have never worked on a newer ex. Also this wobble, does it make a sound, like parts loose or knocking? Or does it just feel wobbly, maybe seperated tire?

 

[xtal]

I do not feel it in the steering wheel or the seat.
Although it does make noises when I turn left.
Everyone tells me it is normal and no one can see any rubbing. Although it doesn't make that noise when I turn right. The noise is like a rubbing noise or an exaggerated noise of when youa re turning very hard.

 

[Jon_Herr]

fixed?

Did you get to the bottom of this?

I have a '98 4DR XLT with a wandering problem.

I've done new lower ball joints, new outer tie rod ends, etc. To do avail.

3 alignments, 3 different shops prodding and wiggling the front end.

It feels loose, but like something is binding at the same time. Turning the steering wheel feels 'lumpy' like there are areas of higher resistance.

So, when trying to keep a straight line on the road every adjustment is an overcorrection.

Pain in the A$$ !

 

[01EB5.0]

Maybe an intermeidiate shaft problem or air in your rack?

 

[Jon_Herr]

Intermediate shaft?

You mean half shaft or CV shaft ?

I guess it could be... Doesn't feel like anything is binding though.

Shouldn't be any air in the rack, I've done the bleeding procedure.

It's looking more and more like I'm just going to replace the whole front end and then cross my fingers.

Upper control arms x 2 = $200
Upper control arm busings x 2 = $40
Upper control arm busings x 2 = $40
Inner tie rod ends x 2 = $100
Steering Rack = $105

For a grand total: $485 in parts

Add that to my existing expenses:
Lower ball joints: $300 installed
3 alignments: $100 + $50 + $60 = $210

New pressure side power steering hose: $110
New outer tie rod ends x2 = $75

And you get:
$485 + $210 + $110 + $75 = $880

Before it's all said and done I'll be at a grand and I'm still not sure that this will fix the front end.

Not to mention all of the other stuff that Ford picked up.

In the past year, I basically increased my monthly payment by $100...

 

[01EB5.0]

Intermediate shaft is the shaft that goes from your steering wheel to the rack..mine was binding made it hard to steer, but only sometimes. got new one for $50 at junkyard and no problems since.

 

[xtal]

I got just the front shocks replaced, they were bad.
It did make a significant difference.
I am going back to get the back shocks replaced.
Tuffy, told me that it is illegal for them to tell me the shocks are bad if it isn't visually seen. After taking them off, then they could see that they were bad.
I think after I get the back done, it will still ride rough.....

 

[01EB5.0]

how is it illegal to say that shocks were bad without seeing them visually? Shocks can be felt by driving the vehicle on a road test..I think tgats a dumb policy

 

[Jon_Herr]

Hey! 01EB5.0

My steering does feel 'lumpy' in the center - but only
occasionally.

Is there a universal joint in the shaft? What binds?

Thanks,
Jon

 

[01EB5.0]

Jon,
There is a CV joint or a universal joint down there. look at the shaft coming out of your firewall leading to the rack..there should be a black rubber boot that is used to seal it up. Mine was cracked and torn from age and road salt and grit got in there and made it tough to steer...if i put alot of oil or WD-40 in there sometimes it would help, but only for like a week. find a low mile explorer at a yard and just pull it off. I replaced the shaft on my 95 with one off a 2001 sport that only had 4,000 miles and it worked well. I did have to cut a slit in the side of the shaft that goes to the wheel, and i had to get an alinement afterwards, but $100 later it was good as new

 

[punash007]

Hi, I am new to the forum, I have a 1998 Explorer XLT and is having the same problem XTAL is/was having. I changed out all upper and lower ball joints, sway bar links on front and all four shochs and still have the same problem. XTAL, did you fix your issue, if so what was cone to correct it. I realize that this is an old post but I need your help.