Steering shaft from firewall to rack and pinion bad??

[Captkevin85]

Hey guys 2003 explorer 4.6 awd. I have a clicking noise in the steering colum. Narrowed down to the u joint right after firewall going to rack and pinion. It has play. Has anyone replaced it and can this be purchased easily. Let me know thanks

 

[EXPLORER04]

Is this the part your referring to?

 

[Captkevin85]

Yes

 

[EXPLORER04]

This part is pretty easy to replace. Its just 2 bolts, one on either end and it slides off. Might need a pry bar as they can be pretty stuck on there. Here is a link to the part:
LOWER SHAFT
Before you remove the shaft completely make sure you secure the steering wheel as you do not want it to move/spin while the shaft is disconnected.
This video was done on a F150/expedition but it will be a similar process on the explorer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8b8JStNezo
Hope it helps

 

[Captkevin85]

Installed the new shaft today. What a difference with is truck now. Steering feels like new.

 

[Purch1977]

Can you get the rubber gaitor/ boot/ bellow seperate?