Steering shaft breakage issue?

[ifergusson]

Last year I bought a 93 Explorer for parts that had gotten into an accident after the steering box output shaft had snapped in between the pitman arm and the box.Today I saw another one that had snapped in the same spot.Just wondering if this is just a fluke or something that a person needs to concern themselves with.It would appear the same steering box is used in Rangers,Bronco II's,F150's etc and I have never heard of this being a major issue.

 

[92exp4x4]

I would think this would be a fluke but without evidence to back it, I'm just guessing. How were those trucks maintained? What was the condition of the road/vehicle at the time of the accident. Were they original, or remanufactured boxes? Were the mounting bolts loose, pitman arm nut loose? I would think there are alot of variables to consider.

I have never heard of these breaking just wearing and getting lots of slop. I have replaced two boxes already on my explorers due to loose steering and i have two others that will need new ones soon.

If it concerns you, check out your output shaft. Clean the crud off and see if the nut is tight and there are no cracks or loose components in the steering system. You can bet I'm gonna look at my others in closer detail.

Your right, this box is used in the ranger, explorer, b2s, bronco f/s, f150-350, and i think in the e-series vans and possibly in the older f-super dutys (f450-650). My 97 powerstroke f250 does have the same box.

 

[ifergusson]

The 93 that I bought for parts was otherwise in great shape,just over 100,000 km and appeared to be well maintained.The other other Explorer looked well used.My best guess is that in either case the pitman arm was incorrectly removed/installed sometime in its life which started a crack that spread and eventually broke the shaft.

 

[1AJeremyD]

Does the 93 have air bags in it? I forget if that was mandatory or not for that model year

 

[Spook]

Does the 93 have air bags in it? I forget if that was mandatory or not for that model year

Mine doesn't, can't remember what year either

 

[Maniak]

Does the 93 have air bags in it? I forget if that was mandatory or not for that model year

No, the 93's don't have air bags..

Out of all the explorers in the yards I've seen, plus the two I helped strip, and even ours, none of them had broken shafts like you described.

I've changed our steering box twice.. Both times were because of excessive play. It currently has a steering box out of a '91 e-150.

~Mark

 

[swetrid]

It could be from impact or accident stress.

 

[ifergusson]

It could be from impact or accident stress.

I assumed that the shaft broke first and caused the accident but it could have broken as a result of the accident I suppose.

 

[RangerX]

I've seen it happen once, in a full size Bronco that was trying to force his front passenger tire to climb a rock wall offroad. SNAP!