power steering

[crazyfoolreal]

My power steering has been out since saturday, the box has a leak and I will have that done monday. Is it not good to drive around without the power steering? Apparently the pump might burn out. I am not sure of any of this but have been driving this around for about a week now normally. Also, i received a power steering pump from a late 80s cougar that might work but im not sure. I have a 93 explorer, does anyone know about this.

One last thing, my gas mileage is extremely bad and im not sure if this is the normal bad for explorers or not. How could i find out?

 

[mbugna]

Just a quick ?

I have a 91 XLT and my PS is leaking as well. I was wondering if you know what's wrong with yours and approx how much it is going to be to repair?

Currently what I am doing is checking the PS level every week to be sure there is some and re-filling it when needed.

 

[crazyfoolreal]

well i thought originally it was a hose, but it turned out to be the actualy power steering gear box. This is a 500$ fix. Ive been driving around now for about a week with no power steering whatsoever and if the pump is fried, thats gonna add on another 120.

 

[x91x]

you can get remanufactured steering boxes on ebay fer like 120-150 not sure on the quality but hey beats 500$ right?

 

[DeRocha]

Driving around without power steering fluid will cause the pump to burn out (I found this out when a hose burst on my '87 mustang). The fluid lubricates the moving parts inside and running it dry will obviously cause it to wear out. Prices for a stearing gear range from $120 to $300 depending on brand and reman vs new... IMO The Steering in the X isn't the greatest and getting a cheapo reman unit for $120 might be the way to go if you were doing the work. But if you're paying a shop you only want to do it once so get a good unit, or you may find yourself repacing it again.