jsgexplorer
New Member
- Joined
- June 16, 2008
- Messages
- 3
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- New York
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1996 5.0L V8 AWD XLT
Hi guys, I have a 1996 Ford Explorer XLT 5.0L V8 AWD. It has been running pretty strong for the 2 years that I've owned it - just normal maintenence here and there. It has 120,000 miles on it. The other day I was parallel parking and all of a sudden I noticed it was difficult to turn the wheel from any position, towards the right. I didn't notice any sound when this happened, and when I looked into the wheel well to check for oil, I didn't notice anything, but it was also pouring rain, so it was kind of hard to tell - and also unfortunate for me because it was a huge thunderstorm.
After I left from where I was, I tried driving to see what the problem was. I could turn the steering wheel to the left without effort like it always did. However I noticed that when making a right turn, or when stationery, it was very difficult to turn the wheel.
I assume it has something to do with my power steering. But it does not make sense because I know there is one power steering pump and if it broke, I would lose power steering all together. My friend said that it might be the hydraulics to the right side but I am pretty sure he has no clue what he's talking about. I tried checking my power steering fluid, but it is rather difficult to read the indicator on the side of the tank because the plastic is pretty thick and you can't see the fluid through it. However when I look inside the power steering reservoir, it seems pretty full, just not to the top. When I get a chance I am going to add some more, but I do not want to take the chance in damaging my power steering by over filling. So I would greatly appreciate any help you experts can give me.
Ok. So today I filled the power steering reservoir to the fill line, (it only needed a little bit). Still no solution. So I'm guessing it is the tie rod end, a ball joint, or maybe something with the belt. So once again, any help you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated.
After I left from where I was, I tried driving to see what the problem was. I could turn the steering wheel to the left without effort like it always did. However I noticed that when making a right turn, or when stationery, it was very difficult to turn the wheel.
I assume it has something to do with my power steering. But it does not make sense because I know there is one power steering pump and if it broke, I would lose power steering all together. My friend said that it might be the hydraulics to the right side but I am pretty sure he has no clue what he's talking about. I tried checking my power steering fluid, but it is rather difficult to read the indicator on the side of the tank because the plastic is pretty thick and you can't see the fluid through it. However when I look inside the power steering reservoir, it seems pretty full, just not to the top. When I get a chance I am going to add some more, but I do not want to take the chance in damaging my power steering by over filling. So I would greatly appreciate any help you experts can give me.
Ok. So today I filled the power steering reservoir to the fill line, (it only needed a little bit). Still no solution. So I'm guessing it is the tie rod end, a ball joint, or maybe something with the belt. So once again, any help you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated.
