SLOPPY STEERING 95 EXPLORER etc

[mitch748]

Hi, having come to terms that this damn explorer won't die even after 260000km, i have decided that finally i'll need to do some work on it. Its a v6 XLT. The steering is really sloppy with no resistance (or sound from the pump) for approx 2 inches of rotation on the steering wheel (any clues?). Also the overdrive switch doesn't seem to do anything at-all? Also as i've decided to keep him, i thought i'd treat him to a new look, has anyone tried to retro-fit the fender trims from the 98ish model on to a 95? Where would i be best to get the trims from? I'm in calgary alberta ca. Thanks

 

[carlover]

More than likely it's your intermediate steering shaft. It's very common.

 

[mitch748]

hi, thanks,

is it adjustable, where is it, is it expensive?

 

[carlover]

It's the shaft that connects the steering wheel to the steering rack. If you pop open your hood you will see the upper part located to the left of the brake booster. The lower part is connected at the top of the rack. Super super easy to replace. Id go to a local junkyard and find an explorer with low miles and just pull one from there.

 

[mitch748]

thanks for the speedy response, i'll take a look at it when the wife returns later, any suggestions re my other queries?

 

[ExploringNC]

Before you buy anything check that the bolt that attaches the steering shaft to the steering rack is tight. I've had it back out and it makes the steering sloppy.

 

[Turdle]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169840&highlight=intermediate+shaft