My first post, a couple questions.

[diesel22g]

I was woundering if you guys could answer a couple questions about my steering gear box and my front axel joints on a 94 xlt. I was told both needed to be relaced before I could pass an inspection.

Questions:
How much will each of these repairs cost? (on average)
What should I look for or listen for to troubleshoot these problems? ( I've been told my X is slowly leaking steering fluid )
Are they worth getting fixed or should I just buy an inspection sticker?

I feel a hard thump coming from the front end when I break moderatly but not when I break hard. I just had my breaks replaced in July along with much more of my front end( $1800). Does this have any relation with axel joints?



*Was also wondering if any of you have had your rocker panels replaced due to rust and if so how much will this run me $$

Thanks guys, help is appreciated.

 

[kps36]

Since you have a 94...did you check out the radius arm bushings ?? do a search. That 'sounds' like the prob you have.

 

[Hokie]

Not really sure, but welcome to the forum... the search button is your friend for all things you want (and maybe don't want) to know. Be careful, I'm watching my GPA and bank account both rapidly drop!

 

[Dre]

$1800.00 for the front end work? what exactly did they do?

BTW. that noise could also be a worn out ball joint. Once they'll tear into ball joints they might want to replace u-joints as well - most likely..... if I remember correctly it cost me around $700.00 to replace all ball and u joints... my memory might be slipping too so don't quote me on this. As for the leaking steering pump... or was it gearbox? see what I mean? memory again... they'll probably replace it with another unit as they just don't want to play with fixing it. Replace it then instead of just buying a sticker cause you'll gonna have to do it anyway sooner or later.

Rockers? that's a major issue in early Explorers... 91 and 92... I have not seen any 94's with that problem. I believe they corrected it by then.

Anyway, welcome to the forum and hold on to your wallet!! as you'll read about all these modifications you can make to your explorer and would probably want to perform them all...