Biniecki
Active Member
- Joined
- December 9, 2013
- Messages
- 57
- Reaction score
- 2
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1996 Ford Explorer
I have noticed a lot of play in the steering recently on my 96 explorer sport and just took it into the shop for an alignment to try and help things. When I was leaving they told me they noticed a lot of play in it and suspected it might be the rack. The rack was just replaced 6 months ago and I told them this. They then said it could be the intermediate shaft. At times is makes a clunking noise and I have a good 15 degrees of play in the wheel. I suspect that the u-joint is shot as it appears to be original and has about 160k on it. The boot also appears to be damaged.
From looking online and reading the threw some of the forums it appears that this part is no longer manufactured. I heard at one time Dorman made one but saw reviews that it didn't fit properly.
The other option I have heard about is flaming rivers. I do not see anything listed but have heard they do custom work but it can be expensive. I don't plan on keeping the vehicle for more than another couple years, so don't really want to invest a bunch of money into it
Lastly you have the scrap yard. There is one near me that has tons of explorers and the parts are pretty cheap. I am just not sure how to go about testing to see if they are still good or not. Could someone point me in the right direction. Are there any other options available?
From looking online and reading the threw some of the forums it appears that this part is no longer manufactured. I heard at one time Dorman made one but saw reviews that it didn't fit properly.
The other option I have heard about is flaming rivers. I do not see anything listed but have heard they do custom work but it can be expensive. I don't plan on keeping the vehicle for more than another couple years, so don't really want to invest a bunch of money into it
Lastly you have the scrap yard. There is one near me that has tons of explorers and the parts are pretty cheap. I am just not sure how to go about testing to see if they are still good or not. Could someone point me in the right direction. Are there any other options available?
