Steering slows down and jams, then pops loose, I need help!

[UncleJacob]

I have a 99 XLS 4x4, and every couple of weeks when I'm pulling out of my driveway, or into a parking spot the steering slows down and apparently gets 'stuck' and then after a second or two, pops loose. This only happens when I'm barely moving. When it pops loose, it shakes the entire vehicle. But then everything is back to normal. A friend of mine said that he thought it was the automatic 4wd sensors and that he had the same problem with his jeep. Does anybody else have this problem or know what it is or what can stop it? Since it started the ABS light has come on on my dash, and I'm not sure but I think it may be making my brakes wear faster. If anyone has any info I'd greatly appreciate it! (Would have taken it to a shop by now, but I'm a student with no cash to pay for major repairs )

 

[UncleJacob]

Anybody Home?

Just seeing if anybody's even checked out this thread--I could really use some help!

 

[JDraper]

When you say slows down, does it get harder to turn the steering wheel or do the axles seem to bind up? It could be the speed sensors going bad and them telling the truck to go into 4wd auto. You should be able to go to Autozone and have them pull the codes for free.

 

[spta97]

I had a similar problem (I think). When I am going slow and turning the steering wheel seems to "shimmy". If you sit with the car in park and turn the wheel back and forth you'll feel it shimmy and shake the car like it is stalling. I did some searching around the board and people have said that changing out the power steering fluid can help - others have said they found nothing. Apparently the power steering fluid isn't that easy to change so they use a turkey baster to pull out the old fluid and do it again a couple of days later. Search for "turkey baster" and see if they describe the problem you are having.

 

[85Dave]

Sounds like the u-joint in the steering shaft is binding. Try oiling the u-joint and see if it improves. If it does, replace it.

 

[Pheonixx77]

i have the exact same problem. opnly it happens while driving! it has happened going around turns, ant like 30 mph! i dont know what causes it. but i think you may be right that the 4wd has something to do with it. my 4wd lights are on, yet the t case motor is disconnected (different problem i think)the 4wd lights seem to go away when the vehicle warms up or i drive a while. the 4wd is NOT engauged as far as i can tell. but the steering definatlery "pops" i am getting an alignment, and i may end up replacingt the powersteering pump, and gear box. the box leaks a little bit. if anyone knows this issue help us!!!

:roll:

 

[UncleJacob]

It binds up

JDraper - the wheel doesn't really get much harder to turn, the steering just binds up, like you said. It's kind of odd because it only does it every few weeks.

 

[JDraper]

I'd be looking at the speed sensors. One of them may be intermittent, and telling the truck to power all the wheels, causing a binding issue. That's based on the fact that you have an ABS light and the binding. I'd try to find an Autozone and have the codes pulled for free.

 

[UncleJacob]

Not a bad idea...

I didn't know Auto Zone pulled codes for free--thanks for the info, I'm gonna swing by there next week and let them do that.

 

[UncleJacob]

Thanks for the input!

Thanks guys for the input, these forums are awesome. Glad to have a place where I can find other Explorer nuts like me.