377Z
Active Member
- Joined
- February 12, 2003
- Messages
- 63
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Lemont, IL
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1998 Explorer Sport
I was getting some popping noises from the front end of the ’98 Explorer. Since all the joints in the front end were OE and the car has ~112K I decided to check the ball joints/ tie rods, etc. Sure enough, the lowers were bad; I could move the wheels ~0.125†up and down.
Only changed the lower ball joints at this time, the tie rods and upper ball joints have no play. The work was mostly uneventful, but when I finished I was surprised to find upon test drive that when turning the power steering felt “choppy†as if something (like the new joints) were binding. I jacked up the front end, and with the car off the steering wheel turns smoothly. Starting the car with the front still raised, the effect was still there but less pronounced. I put the front back on the ground, placed the front tires on a snowy patch on the driveway (so the wheel would be easier to turn w/o engine running), shut off the engine, and turned the wheel. Feels normal. I don’t believe the pump sounded funny at first, but its louder now when the wheel is being turned.
Bottom line: Based on this behavior, I believe the issue is with the power steering; the joints are fine. They do not bind when the car is not running, even when the front end is on the ground (i.e. under load).
Clearly, I f&#@’ed up something during the job, because this issue did not exist prior to the job. The only thing I can think of is that while working, I left the key in the ignition and at times I’d just turn the spindle itself instead of constantly going and turning the steering wheel to gain better access. Anyone who has ever done this knows you get some p/s fluid ejected out of the reservoir when you do this. I probably should have disconnected the tie rods first; ah hindsight. I’m guessing I got air in the system somehow as the reservoir looks over full.
Anyone ever have this happen? Is there a way to “purge†the p/s system? The car has been “laid up†since Monday, I need it back on the road so I’m grateful for any help.
Thank you.
Only changed the lower ball joints at this time, the tie rods and upper ball joints have no play. The work was mostly uneventful, but when I finished I was surprised to find upon test drive that when turning the power steering felt “choppy†as if something (like the new joints) were binding. I jacked up the front end, and with the car off the steering wheel turns smoothly. Starting the car with the front still raised, the effect was still there but less pronounced. I put the front back on the ground, placed the front tires on a snowy patch on the driveway (so the wheel would be easier to turn w/o engine running), shut off the engine, and turned the wheel. Feels normal. I don’t believe the pump sounded funny at first, but its louder now when the wheel is being turned.
Bottom line: Based on this behavior, I believe the issue is with the power steering; the joints are fine. They do not bind when the car is not running, even when the front end is on the ground (i.e. under load).
Clearly, I f&#@’ed up something during the job, because this issue did not exist prior to the job. The only thing I can think of is that while working, I left the key in the ignition and at times I’d just turn the spindle itself instead of constantly going and turning the steering wheel to gain better access. Anyone who has ever done this knows you get some p/s fluid ejected out of the reservoir when you do this. I probably should have disconnected the tie rods first; ah hindsight. I’m guessing I got air in the system somehow as the reservoir looks over full.
Anyone ever have this happen? Is there a way to “purge†the p/s system? The car has been “laid up†since Monday, I need it back on the road so I’m grateful for any help.
Thank you.
. Good luck
