Steering Problem

[austinmob]

Need some help on this one. I have a 96 Explorer.

After i did some off roading (nothng too serious), i developed a steering shake when turning. I was given the advice to replace the power steering pump so i did. The pump was definately stuffed. The shaft had movement and the pump had been making all the wrong noises for a while.

Ordered a reco pump form the US and is now fitted by mechaninc.

The steering shake is still present. The pump has been bled and there are no leaks at the pump, lines or rack.

One thing i did notice was at very low speed when turning the steering wheel a clunking noise was coming from the front end.

Could it be the CV joints. Are they the problem that caused the shake in the first place.

Has anyone got any advice or experienced anything like this.

I still get told by two different sources (mechanical) that the steering must have an air lock in it after the pump change and it should come good.

The problem with this advice is it was there before the pump was changed.

 

[austinmob]

Got some more info. A guy i work with (ex mechanic) had a look.

A clunking noise is apparent when turning. (we did some uturns in the carpark).
It is not present when the car is under load. (only rolling in or out of gear while holding the wheel over, not all the way). When i accelerate the noise and vibrartion is gone.

He said to check the uni joints leading up to the front diff. Extra pressure is exerted onto diff when turning as the two front wheels are operating at different speed when turning. Said the CV would be noisey under load as oppsed to rolling free. Cant be them.

Also to check if it is a CV or a UNI coming off the gear box. Jeeps use a CV.

Hopefully i can get this sorted soon and hopefully it wont cost me a packet.

 

[austinmob]

Description of vibration

When cornering at low speed a heavy uni knuckle jarring sends a shock through the car. My work mate walked along beside the car with his hand on the panel and he felt it.

He said this sensation was too heavy to be a regualr UNI joint. A regular UNI would not be this heavily felt through the car.

Another thing i didnt mention was there was very little feedback through the steering wheel. What you feel through the car is what you feel through the wheel.

 

[IZwack]

Try removing the front driveshaft and doing the same tests -- if it goes away, the 4wd is engaging prematurely.

 

[austinmob]

Try removing the front driveshaft and doing the same tests -- if it goes away, the 4wd is engaging prematurely.

Is it safe to do that.

 

[austinmob]

96 Explorer Drive train binding (please help)

When turning, some part of my drive train is binding causing a jolting sensation throught the car. I was originally told it was the power steering pump as the jolt appeared to come from the front wheels. It has been replaced and the problem still exists. New information suggest it is the drive train. I took it to a Diff / Gearbox specialist who investigated but cant find the source of the problem. He said the UNI joints, drive shafts & transfer case all appered OK with out pulling them apart. He found a noise in the left side of the rear diff and has changed the oil. No metal was found and the oil appeared OK. He said he could start pulling the diff apart but it will cost me a packet if the problem is not found early through the process of elimination.

When i put it into LOW RANGE and turn, the front wheels bindup violently. The diff specialist said he got the rear wheels binding, which was news to me.

What is wrong with this car. Has anyone experienced this before.

 

[austinmob]

Im going down this road at the moment.


http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f53/awd-tire-size-mismatch-safety-sales-training-68760/

 

[IZwack]

Threads merged, please dont start new threads revolving around the same problem.

As stated, remove the front driveshaft and take it for a spin. It is safe to do so. And dont engage 4wd (4HI or 4LO) on dry pavement or you will destroy the drivetrain.

 

[austinmob]

Its not sticking in 4wd. My model is All Wheel Drive anyway so it needs to be in 4wd all the time, and i had 2 mechanics tell me the gear box and the transfer box are working perfectly.

I went to Ford today. They referred me to a guy who knows all about explorers. He does all the service and repair work for them. He said i need to order 4 new tyres and the problem is solved. He said the tyres on the rear were worn more than half of the ones on the front. The previous owner replaced the front and moved those tyres to the back.

I had a flat about 3 months ago, put my spare on which is Firestone. The two rear tyres are now different brand and the fronts are a match. So I got 3 different tyre brands. Even though they are all the same size the two rears are worn and that apparently is my problem.

The AWD limited slip diff dont work to good with tyres of different sizes (tread depths).

I hope this is it. Just spent $110 AUS on a diff service.

What do you think?

 

[IZwack]

When i put it into LOW RANGE and turn, the front wheels bindup violently.

My model is All Wheel Drive anyway so it needs to be in 4wd all the time

Those two statements above conflict -- the true All-Wheel Drive system (which only came in the 5.0L engines because there was no room to put a "selectable" transfer case, hence the shorter AWD transfer case was selected) can not be put in LO range because it does not have a LO range gear.

Its not sticking in 4wd.

I went to Ford today. They referred me to a guy who knows all about explorers. He does all the service and repair work for them. He said i need to order 4 new tyres and the problem is solved.

If what your mechanic told you is true, then it is a sticking 4wd -- the 4wd is engaging because of the different tire sizes, which the vehicle interprets as a tire slipping and therefore engages 4wd.

 

[austinmob]

On my 4wd dash switch is 3 settings.

4wd Auto

4wd Hi

4wd Low

 

[austinmob]

I think i have it sorted with the help of other owners.

Please view this thread on the ozi Ford forum.

Recieved a TSB for the 97 model

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11241855&page=2&pp=25

I really hope this is the problem. My wife wont give me any more money.

 

[Donner]

Classic!

I think i have it sorted with the help of other owners.

Please view this thread on the ozi Ford forum.

Recieved a TSB for the 97 model

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11241855&page=2&pp=25

I really hope this is the problem. My wife wont give me any more money.

I'm confused about your 4wd system. The one you described is for a 3rd gen 2002-2005, no? So you don't have AWD, correct? I'll take a peek at the Ozi forum, thanks!

 

[Donner]

You all there are very polite in speaking! Do you have a link to the dash of your vehicle?

 

[austinmob]

You all there are very polite in speaking! Do you have a link to the dash of your vehicle?

Do you mean a photograph of my dash.

 

[Donner]

Exactly! And this is a 4door manual? Nice!

 

[austinmob]

Here are some pics of my car on a different thread.

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11236643

 

[austinmob]

Here is the switch

 

[Donner]

Ah! Nice... Okay, so we can stick to your issue, aside from all that's been done and looked at, have you had the wheels and tyres balanced and aligned since your trip?

 

[Donner]

Perfect!

Here is the switch

So no All Wheel Drive and no 4wd bush buttons... good to know. Thanks!