Stiff steering on 97 Explorer
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Stiff steering on 97 Explorer
On my 97 Explorer with V6 SOHC and 83,000 miles, I started noticing the steering becoming stiff occasionally, when the steering wheel was turned in certain positions, as if it had lost power assist. The serpentine drive belt looked a little worn, not too bad, but I decided to replace it in case it was slipping and causing loss of power assist. As soon as I put the new belt on, the problem became markedly worse, with the steering stiff most of the time. I jacked up the front of the vehicle and removed the wheels and had a helper turn the steering from side to side. I did not notice anything obviously loose (tie rod ends, ball joints) but heard a very slight grinding sound from the upper ball joints which I confirmed using a stethoscope. There were no obvious leaks of power steering fluid from anywhere.
My main questions are - does the slight grinding sound from the upper ball joints mean they are worn and need to be replaced, and since the stiff steering got worse with a new (presumably tighter) belt, does this point more to a ball joint problem rather than a PS pump going bad?
Thanks,
Mark B
My main questions are - does the slight grinding sound from the upper ball joints mean they are worn and need to be replaced, and since the stiff steering got worse with a new (presumably tighter) belt, does this point more to a ball joint problem rather than a PS pump going bad?
Thanks,
Mark B
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
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From: Baltimore
I suggest backing the serp belt off, and spinning the PS pump pulley. That may give you an indication of whether the pump in bad or not. I doubt if it's ball joint related. Another possibility is the steering rack.
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
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Check the lower steering shaft. The rubber boot at the joint may have ioened up and let water in which could have rusted the joint. Spray some rust penetrant in there and turn the wheel lock to lock repeatedly. If that is the problem, replace the lower shaft.
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