Searched but solution. Please help on left steering click noise. Rack?

[Snake2715]

steering to the left clicking noise. Rack? Please Help.

Ok,

We have an 1998 Eddie Baurer X, 5.0 liter AWD 79,000 miles

The problem is when turning the wheel left even when stopped in a parking lot or wherever. I hear a clicking sound. The closest thing I can relate it to is a rollercoaster going up a hill. It is a consistant click as long as the steering wheel is moving to the left. Click Click click...

When turning the steering wheel to the right nothing.

My wife told me about it a while ago but we live on a dirt raod and I figured the dirt was getting in a sway bar bushing or something and that it was fine. I actually drove the car yesterday and noticed its not just dirt and also noticed the noise only happens while turning in one direction.


Some of the info I found was for other years explorers so I just need confirmation on what to check?

I found the info from M.Scott on the Wd40 and the inner tie rod.

I have also come across "pitman arm grease" but that was on a F150.... Do the 98 Ex's have this?

And sway bar end links... Wouldnt they click in both directions?

Please help me to figure this out. The other problem I am having on both this and my 98 taurus is the dreaded thump sound when hitting any kind of bump. I think that is not necessarily related and may have something to do with the sway bar bushings.. I am more concerned with this clicking for the time being. I dont need the steering to break while my wife is driving the truck.

Thanks

*edited to make it clearer.

 

[Howard]

That sounds like a cv joint. Check the rubber boots for splits. Normally if its turning left then its the cv on the right that has gone and visa versa.

 

[Snake2715]

Thanks for the response it s not the Cv joint it happens regardless if the truck is inmotion or not. I hae heard CV jointst that are bad and they sound similar but again the truck can be standing still and once I turn the wheels to the left it happens when i turn it to the right no sound....

 

[jgilbs]

is your turn signal on?

 

[Bill Kemp]

^LOL as I shake my head.......^