tight steering???

[junk]

I have a 96 explorer xlt 4 door with 70,000 miles. Lately the steering has started to be hard to turn and it doesn't want to auto center very easily. It feels like there is a tight spot in the rack and pinion. Does this sound like I need a rack and pinion or can I fix this. I am a little afraid to drive the truck on slick roads because the steering feels goofy?

Thanks
Junk

 

[Majisto]

Have you checked your power steering fluid lately? I am almost positive this is causing your problem.

 

[junk]

no good point

No I haven't. It seems like I have a tight siection just off center when turning to the left. it gets better when it warms up, but is hard when cold. I'm going to back up and check the simple stuff now.

Thanks When I bought the truck it was wrecked and had a bent tierod on the drivers side and needed the knuckle replaced. I went immediately to bad a bad rack as that has been in the back of my mind since I bought the thing. I'll check the fluid and go from there. If the fluid is good could I have had a bent part in the rack that prematurely hurt a seal in it causing my problem? I have heard that a bad seal will allow air into the rack causing the tight spots?

Just trying to get some other opinions on this.

Thanks
Junk

 

[mrboyle]

If the fluid is full up (and since you mentioned the damage) I'd seriously consider replacing the rack. It doesn't take much to destroy the inside of a rack, especially if there is something bent.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Sounds like it is acting just like mine did before haveing the rack replaced. Not cheap. I think it was about $350. for an independent guy to do it. The first rack was bad & he had to do it again. Said he made good money the second time as it went much faster and the parts place paid him "book time" for the replacement.
Shop around.....

 

[PghBill]

Originally posted by mrboyle
If the fluid is full up (and since you mentioned the damage) I'd seriously consider replacing the rack. It doesn't take much to destroy the inside of a rack, especially if there is something bent.

Or if a frozen ball joint puts too much stress on it! That's what just happened to my '97 X. Gotta get a rebuilt rack now!