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1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

1998 Ranger steering issues

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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 08:14 PM
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Buckwacka's Avatar
Buckwacka
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1998 Ranger steering issues

Hi everyone!
New here and need advice.
My youngest boy has 1998 Ranger XLT 4X4 with 3.0L, for running to high school and what not.
He ran into a large rock a while back and we needed to replace A Arm, torsion bar, shock, etc. on passengers side... Took it up to local shop to get front end alignment and was told can't be done. The steering wheel when turned all the way to left or right just keeps turning, doesn't stop at full turn.
They also told me the rack and pinion was bad.
The rack and pinion has no external damage and is not leaking, bouncing/shudder or any real symptom that I can tell.
The horn works fine.
Oldest son wrecked it in Morgantown, WV and tore the drivers side tire clean off, back before Christmas. He hit ice and ran along a guardrail which caught the rim and pulled the tire and rim off. The rack was changed but it was a yard rack. Replaced basically the exact same things as the youngest boys recent wreck, except opposite side.

Fluid stays up in reservoir however last time I checked it, it was frothy light color. I don't ever see any drips on the ground.

Here's a "video" him and I attempted:
https://fbcdn-video-c-a.akamaihd.net...9e180446fc4fdf

What do you suspect the problem is?
 
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Old Oct 22, 2014 | 10:10 PM
  #2  
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Boy when it rains on your parade it really pours, ahhh but those are the joy of parenthood!!!!
Given the steering wheel continuing to turn at the end of travel symptom you posted, I agree with the garage that it sounds like this power steering rack is toast inside. Just hope that circulating debris haven't also done a job on the power steering pump. When you open the system, be sure to back flush it real good from the pump end & install an inline filter like a Magnefine, in the return line to the pump, to try & catch any remaining debris & keep your fingers crossed. Some thoughts for consideration, let us know how it goes.
 
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