Steering went to hell after a short trip, your advice please!

[BHop]

Hi all,

So today I went for a short trip about 5km turned of my truck and went about my business. Came back a couple hours later, fired her up, and when cranking my steering wheel, I get crazy shaking through my steering wheel.

This has never happened before. Bizarre. I don't know what to say. It's a 97 with about 190,000 km or close to 110,000 miles.

When I got home, I popped the hood and check the PS fluid, it was fine.

It only vibrates when I am steering either direction. With engine on at park (no steering), no vibrations.

I would like to think this is strictly a steering issue, but when I am traveling and steering is when the vibrations occur, which makes me think it could be suspension?

Anything helps guys, thanks!

 

[donlightbody]

my '95 did that. then it got to the point where the wheel did not return to center on its own (or easily anyhow) after a turn. It was the steering rack. Put the front on jack stands and start it, turn the wheels all the way each direction and see if it shakes the truck. That happens when bleeding air from the rack. that should give you an idea if its the steering or suspension.

 

[BHop]

my '95 did that. then it got to the point where the wheel did not return to center on its own (or easily anyhow) after a turn. It was the steering rack. Put the front on jack stands and start it, turn the wheels all the way each direction and see if it shakes the truck. That happens when bleeding air from the rack. that should give you an idea if its the steering or suspension.

Don, did you have to replace your steering rack then? Or did you just get the system flushed and bled?

I will do what you suggested tomorrow when I get time.

In the mean time, is it ok to drive like this for a little bit? I ask cuz I have to do some driving tomorrow.

Thanks!

 

[donlightbody]

It took a few weeks for my to go totally to crap. just be ready to turn that wheel back when you go around corners, just in case that is it. If it is indeed the steering then you may be able to bleed the system but its probably a sign of things to come though. I did replace the rack, wasn't a real pain to do. Mine had the 4.0 OHV 4x4, different engines and drive train maybe easier or more difficult. Also, the tie rod ends can cause some smilar issues. But they'll buck a bit on strait driving too if bad enough. Good luck.

 

[BHop]

Thanks Don, appreciate it.

Yea, I have the OHV. I don't plan to keep this truck for much longer. It has played it's role. Don't get me wrong, this thing had only treated me well. Engine runs like it's brand new and why not, I have only ran synthetic oil in it and stay on top of the maintenance. MPGs are great, pretty low maintenace, etc.

Just had the ebrake cable replaced (it snaped as I pressed down and looking for that last "click"). Before that, day time running light relay was stuck "on" so that they would not turn off regardless if the truck was running (just unplugged it as it was useless anyway). And, before that, I got the starter rebuilt.

Shocks are worn as well as the way bar links. Now this, hehe.

Explorers aren't worth much so dumping money in it doesn't make much sense, plus I am bored with it. But I can't sell it like this, lols. We see what happens...

Again, thanks.

 

[rickybobby]

If cost is a concern, try to find a used one. My 97 still has the original rack with 280,000 miles even with running over size tires the last 50,000. Obviously not all of them last that long, but a rack and pinion isnt a common failure either.

 

[SoNic67]

Didn't you read that he is bored with Explorers?

Personally I always find out that is cheaper to fix my cars than monthly payments for new (or used) ones. But that's just me...

 

[rickybobby]

I did read that, thats why i threw that out there.

 

[BHop]

Soooo.... I turned my truck over and...... the problem fixed itself. The agressive vibrations that I was experiencing throught the steering wheel no longer exists! Which is great!

Yea, I do most of my own maintenance actually. Learned a lot on my truck and it's user friendly. Lots of room in the engine compartment, OHV design, tough, etc.

Like I said, I can't talk poorly about the truck cuz it has been so good to me but most vehicles are if you stay on top of the maintenance. Just want something different in the near future.

Now, I just realized that after getting my e-brake cable replaced, the ebrake light on the dash/gauge cluster does not illuminate when it's engauged. lol

I might just have to start a new thread here unless one of you pros can chime in and gimme some advice! = )

Thanks again everyone, over the years, this forum has helped me time and time again. No snobs, just good people trying to help other good people!

 

[donlightbody]

I agree theyre great trucks! I really loved my faithfull '95 all the way till the end 2 weeks ago when she sacrificed herself to save my life when I rolled her twice when we left the ice covered road. My first wreck in 26 years of driving, and I am thankfull it hapened in that tank that caused me zero injuries. Now I love my '03! I am sold on Explorers forever.