Steering shimmy...still there

[97splorer]

My steering seems to shimmy when I turn at very slow speeds. Even when I am at a complete stop it shimmys when I crank it on way or the other. I have checked ball joints(good), fluid (good). Could my CV joints be going out? Could this be bushings? Any help I can get would be great.

thanks-Brian

 

[Bronco638]

I'm a little confused, how can the steering "shimmy" at a complete stop? Sounds more like a power steering pump or steering rack issue than anything in the front suspension. Did you check the fluid level in the pump reservoir?

 

[ExplorerDMB]

I think this is the same problem as what happend in the shop I work at. A guy was working on an Explorer that had a noise/shimmy at low speeds. He already replaced the whole rack and pinion like 5 months before it came back in for the same problem. I don't think we ever figured out the problem. But the steering pump could be going bad like the other guy said. Hope this helps.

-Drew

 

[97splorer]

Thanks for the help. Bronco638, The shimmy occurs when i crank the wheels in either direction while stopped. The fluid is plenty full and the right color. How can I check out the rack and or pump to see if they are going out?

 

[Bronco638]

As for diagnosing the rack, I'm not sure. Perhaps another Forum member can chime in.
But, it certainly seems to be the rack or the pump based on what the truck does while motionless.

Sorry I couldn't be more help - Dave.

 

[Pheonixx77]

i've never looked under a 95+ but on my 94 the wheel joints are bad (u-joints behind wheel spindle) to check them get wheels centered (engine running) and turn slowly left to stop and then back to center and then right. if you feel it binding then thats the problem. if a helper is available get him/her to steer and you crawl underneath and watch the wheel jointrs to see if they bind. good luck...
your problem kinda sounds like mine...

 

[97splorer]

Thanks, I will check the wheel bearings. Also upon further inspection my steering fluid is just above the low mark on the resivour. Could that possibly have anything to do with it?