Steering rack bolts loose

[s2per]

Our ‘12 XLT 2.0T has suddenly developed 4-6 inches of steering play on center. We put it on the lift and you could see the whole steering rack assembly move when the steering wheel was turned. I loosened and re-tightened the 2 bolts that hold the rack assembly to the subframe and it seemed to make it tight…..until we got it off the lift and drove it. It seems like the bushings noted on the photo below are shot (possibly from the heat near the turbo?) Has anyone else had this problem?

 

[410Fortune]

I have had this issue before, but in earlier trucks
The rack was bad and put excessive force in on those bolts and bushings causing them to wear the bushings and loosen the bolts. Tightening them only resulted in more play in the bushings. At the end of the day the rack was bad it was extremely stiff, it actually started skipping gears on the rack and pinion inside making a very loud noise. Rack was replaced came with new bushings all is well
Make sure all ball joints and other front end parts check out, the raxk maybe forcing things to move that are binding, causing the looseness

 

[peterk9]

Our ‘12 XLT 2.0T has suddenly developed 4-6 inches of steering play on center. We put it on the lift and you could see the whole steering rack assembly move when the steering wheel was turned. I loosened and re-tightened the 2 bolts that hold the rack assembly to the subframe and it seemed to make it tight…..until we got it off the lift and drove it. It seems like the bushings noted on the photo below are shot (possibly from the heat near the turbo?) Has anyone else had this problem?

While there are many threads of the steering rack having to be replaced on the early 5th gen Explorers, I don't recall a post identical to yours.
You may end up having to replace the rack. Good luck and please keep us in the loop.

Peter

 

[s2per]

Good news here! I replaced the two bushings that mount under the rack. The original bushings had lost ALL of their rubber. The steering is very acceptable and the car is safely back on the road.

 

[Ddavidson79]

Good news here! I replaced the two bushings that mount under the rack. The original bushings had lost ALL of their rubber. The steering is very acceptable and the car is safely back on the road.

Do you have a part number for those bushings?

 

[peterk9]

Do you have a part number for those bushings?

Welcome to the Forum.

Peter

 

[s2per]

Yes, but be sure ask for a discount; it's $94.53 each! Ford part number AA5Z-3C716-B. Good luck!

 

[peterk9]

This is what Ford Parts comes back with; https://parts.ford.com/shop/en/us/s...rubber-insulator-lower-35l-p-aa5z3c716b?pdp=y
This is the same part from Levittown Ford; Original 2010-2012 Ford Gear Assembly Lower Insulator AA5Z-3C716-B | Levittown Ford Parts
That is one reason I never suggest buying from Ford Parts. Levittown is a forum vendor and offers members a discount.

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Hi Guys, We have codes available for forum members so if your looking for Genuine Ford replacement parts or Accessories please let us know, Feel free to reply to this thread here and we will message you. Thanks! -Benny

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BTW, Levittown does not show the part fitting a 2013 Explorer.

Peter