New Explorer owner, what kind of things should I be checking out/fixing?

[snoop_1]

I recently became the owner of a 98 Explorer XLT, and I am curious as to what things I should get checked/fixed. I had my truck in to get the tires checked and came out with 4 new tires (still not sure about that one ). The guy at the tire place that I need to get some of the 'wheel stuff' (as 'described' by my wife who was actually the one to take it in) replaced too.

So this make me wonder this...first, is the guy telling the truth, and second, what else should I look for?

Thanks to anyone who helps.

Snoop

 

[snoop_1]

I forgot to put in my original message that the "wheel stuff" was a recommendation due to the fact that "Explorers have bad front 'wheel stuff'."

I know it's not very descriptive, and I haven't personally talked to the people at the tire place, but any help/guidance would be helpful.

 

[Positive Vibes]

I would talk to the mechanic. Give them a call. Wheel stuff could be anything. I own a '94 so they are a bit different. Is it a 4x4? Could be pit man arms, wheel bearings, hubs (if it's a 4x4), ball joints the list goes on. A little more info is needed to help.

 

[weebo]

I'd think that the 'wheel stuff' would most likely be the bearings and/or the hubs. 91-94 explorers were notorious for having front brake problems and hub problems. As for our 95+ models, the brakes have been much improved but there are still some failures in the hubs. You may want to get the bearings re-packed or new ones installed, but I wouldn't think it would be an issue yet on your '98, as my '97 hasn't developed those problems yet.

One thing is certain with your new explorer...your transmission will fail. It's not a question of will it, but when will it fail. I'd do a yearly flush and fill of tranny fluid and several people on here are installing secondary tranny fluid filters to help increase the life of it. I think most of the failures I've seen range between 120k and 200k miles. My first one failed at 180k and the rebuild failed at 276k (on my '92.)

Welcome to the board!

 

[aldive]

I smell a scam my friend.....

 

[Mike T]

Originally posted by weebo

One thing is certain with your new explorer...your transmission will fail. It's not a question of will it, but when will it fail.

Really, that statement is true for any, and everything, even us!

 

[snoop_1]

OK, I talked with the mechanic, and he said that with the Explorers he has worked on, most often the ball joints have to be replaced. He also said the same for Durangos and Expeditions.

I get a "free" alignment check with my new tires, so they are going to do that next week, and also at the same time make sure everything is all good with the front end.

So now does this sound right with everyone?

Oh, and yes my truck is a 4x4.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Sounds good. Let us know what he says. One good thing to do is ask for the old parts. That way they can be used as spares and you can really check to see if the parts needed to be replaced or not.

 

[snoop_1]

OK, so the truck finally got looked at and they said that both the lower ball joints are worn. My truck has about 50,000 miles. There is a rattle at in-town speeds that goes away at highway speeds. Does this sound legit?

So the cost to get them replaced is about $375, and that is with 9-10 hours labor. I've read that the ball joints can't be replaced on the later models, that you have to replace the control arm. Is this true, and is it something that can be repaired at home with plenty of patience and a good repair manual?

 

[Robert]

The lower ball joints can be replaced on a newer Explorer. Apparently the uppers will need the entire control arm replaced. Be sure that they haven't overlooked your torsion bar adjusters. When the kevlar patch (noise deadening material) wears off you get a metal to metal clank on the smallest of bumps around town. On the highway it isn't as noticeable. New torsion bar adjusters cost $27 each at Ford and take about 1 1/2 hours to swap both of them.

 

[Adam Foote]

you might as well go ahead and buy a new transmission too.......

 

[snoop_1]

Originally posted by Adam Foote
you might as well go ahead and buy a new transmission too.......

What the hell are you talking about??!!??