Steering gear assembly - rubber coupler?

[emfjsullivan]

I just noticed that I have a cracked rubber piece in my steering gear assembly (I think that's what it's called). It's some kind of rubber coupler in the steering linkage in the engine compartment, I'm sure to isolate vibrations. The ? I have is what is the correct part to buy to replace this and is it a big deal?

Thanks
93 Navajo (X Sport)

 

[Isles4evr]

Is it in the area of where the steering colum come from the firewall and the shaft from the gear box meet? If it is, then I had one break on me, and notice no difference when I replaced it. If you could take a picture it would be easier to help ya out.

Chris

 

[mrboyle]

If you are referring to the rubber ring that is bolted together and attaches to the steering box, it is the steering coupler or rag joint.

 

[Brian1]

Explorers dont have the rag joint, they have u joint connections (at least on mine). The rubber piece would have to be what isles is talking about. I have never replaced it. I think it is more of a dust boot than vibration insulator.

 

[emfjsullivan]

Yes, it is that rubber ring that is bolted together which is in series w/ the shaft that goes down to the power steering pump.

Can I just replace that rubber coupling, and if so, is it very difficult? I see that CarQuest sells steering coupling, but I'm not sure if I need special tools for the job.

 

[Maniak]

Sounds like your are talking about the rag joint which First Gen Explorers DO have.. BUT....

You cannot just "change" the rubber part like you can on some other vehicles. On the Explorers it is rivoted in.

A new steering shaft (it is called an intermediate steering shaft, Lower) from ford is close to $300. Borgensen(sp?) makes a replacement shaft that is also close to $300..

I got a replacement from a junk yard for $35 and it didn't have any cracks in it..

Just to make sure we are talking about the same pieces... Is this what your talking about?

Here is a picture showing how mine broke.. I'm assuming yours is the same..

~Mark

 

[emfjsullivan]

Mark,

Your second photo shows exactly what I'm talking about. When looking at the piece, it did look like it was rivited together, so thanks for the confirmation. The part I got from CarQuest says to "just drill out the rivets", but that sounds like a pain to me. I like your idea of getting a used part.

The next ? is, how difficult was it for you to replace w/ your one from the junkyard and did you need any special tools?

Thanks

 

[Maniak]

It dont' have inner fenderwells so it was really easy..

I just reached in over the tire.. and loosened the 1 bolt at the top... Then loosened the bolt at the bottom and pulled it out.. total time including clean up was < 1hour..

If you still have your inner fenderwell it might take a little longer.. but no special tools.

~Mark