Sudden Jerk to left and right

[90explorer]

My 90 explorer makes a sudden and hard jerk to the left or right, usually in the opposite direction of the turn, after I finish turning. This jerk has become so hard that it is impossible to counteract when it does do it. It doesn't do it all the time but it will do it atleast two or three times a day. What could be wrong and where should I start troubleshooting.
Thanks

 

[wood1]

Hey there,

I don't think that you should be driving it on the road with other people if your steering is malfunctioning like this. If you have a steering componant that is failing and it finally gives out you may find yourself veering into oncoming traffic. The problem is getting worse from what you have said.

If you don't have the knowledge to figure this out yourself, have it towed to a reputable garage and have it fixed.

Never take chances with steering, suspension and brakes.

Good luck.

 

[90explorer]

I have stopped driving it because of this, but I was just wondering what could be the cause of this. I am not planning on fixing it myself I would just like to understand what could be causing this.
Thanks

 

[wood1]

Glad to hear you aren't driving it. I am wondering if the steering box is worn and is causing the problem. I replaced a steering rack in a Grand Am several years ago with a rebuilt and when my wife was driving through a drive-thru to get a coffee it steered hard to the left. Fortunately she wasn't moving very fast and she isn't a panicker. The spool in the rack failed. Our steering boxes are boosted and could fail in a similar way unless I'm mistaken. (haven't had one apart as of yet)

If you can repeat the problem easily it should do it on jack stands too. I'd jack up the front end, start it up and turn the wheel back and forth and see if you can get it to do what you are describing. If the front wheels steer on their own as you describe I would say you need to replace the steering box.

I no longer buy reconditioned racks by the way... she's not insured that heavily...

 

[90explorer]

Thanks for the info.. any other info or probable causes would be appreciated.

 

[fixxxer]

Check your tie-rod ends?

 

[Willard]

Get your alignment checked as well...I have this feeling a misaligned wheel could be causing it.

 

[MDewell]

I was thinking tie rods as well..those things pop, and look out!

I do wonder though....hear any crunching or squeeling sound when it jerks or it's about to? Reason why I'm askin is I had an inner/outer wheel bearings fail on me going straight down the road. I knew it was going to happen because the steering was acting somewhat the same as you describe. Anyways, long story short...front axle snapped, wheel popped off, front drivers side hit the road and off slidin to the left I went. Luckily for me..no oncoming traffic...but I think I pissed off the local cops in doing so. Oh yeah, it was in an old farm dump truck turned trash truck..lol

Anyways, just some insight.

 

[93explorer4life]

i heard a guy on here once with similar problems, turnout it was the gear box(stearing box) what ever u call it, the gears were worn so when he turned it would jump to the left or right like u said! so my best guess is the gear box!

 

[90explorer]

thanks for all the info guys...im taking it to a mechanic today to see whats up... ill post what he finds

 

[90explorer]

well the mechanic said it was the gear box and he is replacing the u joints aswell

 

[93explorer4life]

good deal