Tie bar rubbing against the wheel

[jcgking]

Hello!
I have what I hope is an easy fix (not sure why it started doing this though)
I have a Ford Explorer 2001 Limtied V8 AWD.

The toe link ( I think that is what it is called), driver side rear, has started rubbing against the wheel. IT started doing this about a week ago.
Is this something I can adjust? Or is this caused by a bigger problem?
It is winter here in the north and I might have hit a pothole at some point.

I forgot to mention: the Toe Link was replaced this last summer (July) as well as the wheel bearing

 

[deweyville65]

In my opinion you have a wheel bearing problem. At least that is the first place I would look. Also could be a bad tie rod end joint. Do you have a lot of play in the steering?

 

[jcgking]

It is the rear tire. There doesn't seem to be any play at all. and I can't wiggle the tire around.
I wasn't sure if it is maybe the bushing that the Toe link fits into.
I will try to move the tire around again to see if I get any play at all. I replaced the bearing this past summer, but I know that doesn't mean much on an Explorer heh.

It may have started about a week ago. Whne I would go over a bump it would make a sound almost like moaning WHne the bearing went out last summer, it was making a cruncking noise, and the tire was tilted.
Thanks for your reply!

 

[koda2000]

am i missing something? 2001's only have leaf springs in the rear, right?

 

[albi1cnobi1]

From the looks of the coilover struts and the lower control arm design that is an 02-04 rear suspension.

 

[jcgking]

It's a 2001 Exlorer Limited.
Maybe I should look up the Vin number to be sure. It was listed as a 2001 when I bought it
When I replaced the Toe link last summer, I had to use the Moog Fixer with the 17mm extension. They said it was because it was an early 2001 (pre-March)

 

[albi1cnobi1]

As far as I know 2001's had leaf spring rear suspension. IFS rears started in 02. Do you have a 5.0 or a 4.6 V8?

 

[jcgking]

it's a V8 AWD
Automatic

 

[snoranger]

it's a V8

So are both of these:

5.0 or a 4.6 V8?

You have an '02... Even though it may have been built in '01. '01 was the last year the 4 door had leaf springs, they went to IRS (like you have) in '02.

Not that any of this is helping with your problem.

 

[albi1cnobi1]

From what I can tell from the pic herein lies your problem.

When the rod was replaced perhaps the castle nut and cotter pin weren't tightened or installed correctly. It appears the rod end is not aligned correctly.

 

[jcgking]

Thanks you albi1cnobi1. I will plan on taking it in on Monday then. I lack the tools to align it properly. When we changed it last summer, we used the old Toe Link to match the length, but it is possible that the new toe link was jsut slighty longer.

 

[jcgking]

I guess my one last question: Could I take the toe link off and still drive it to the mechanic? Or would that be a very bad idea?

I have used this board for information ever since I bought the Explorer. THanks for helping the litttle guys like me!

 

[albi1cnobi1]

That would be a very not good idea. lol

 

[snoranger]

I guess my one last question: Could I take the toe link off and still drive it to the mechanic? Or would that be a very bad idea?

I have used this board for information ever since I bought the Explorer. THanks for helping the litttle guys like me!

That sounds like a very bad idea.

 

[jcgking]

That would be a very not good idea. lol

ok heh. I will have it towed then. It is rubbing the wheel so bad, that I am afraid it would cut through it at this point.

 

[jcgking]

a final update:
The toe link was the wrong size. I used the 17mm problem solver by Moog. Mine was actually for the 15mm toe link.
The place I took it to, replaced the toe link and had the Explorer aligned for 211.00


Thanks to everyone here. I have been coming to this board for a long time! I learned how to replace my wheel bearings from you guys!

 

[albi1cnobi1]

Glad to hear you got it straightened out.