I have a 98 explorer with about 186,000 miles. I've been to three mechanics so far, all telling me different solutions, and costing me an arm and a leg for parts that are not part of the solution. Here's the prob:

Sometimes, mostly when I am on the expressway, going more than 40 miles an hour, when i hit a pothole or bump with the right front tire, or if i curve to the right or turn right, it feels like the right front tire is literally falling off, and my steering wheel gets so vibrational and unsteady, that i practically almost lose control. My 4 wheel drive recently does not light up or "pop" on when i go to use it, ( not sure if this is related, but a thought). one mechanic said he thinks i'm stuck in 4 wd, but doesn't work on it. The same mechanic said the above problem were my ball joints, and he replaced two... it still happened. I went to another mechanic, who said it was possibly the rack and pinions, but he didn't fix it, now it is currently at another mechanic, who is replacing the rack and pinions and the power steering pump.... this is very costly,and since it is almost midnight here, and i of course already authorized the mechanic to do the repairs, i'm wondering now why he would change the pump, if my steering doesn't lock up.. it does just the opposite... any opinions would be greatly appreciated

 

I doubt if it's the PS pump. A loose rack could give you the symptoms that you have. Have you had the wheels and hubs checked?

 

i would've assumed that at least one of the three places would've did something as simple as that.....

 

I agree, but you never know. I'd still want to know why the one place is doing the pump AND the rack.

 

i'm gonna find out today.... hopefully... if it's not fixed someone is going to have a lot of explaining to do... would i have the right to a refund , at least partial if it's not fixed?

 

the only way to find out if it is fixed is to take it on a ride on the expressway. i need to be going fast for it to happen. And it's the most dangerous way to find out

 

Yes, make sure they put in writing what they did, and pay for it on a credit card. It's much easier to dispute a service if you put it on a card. Did they road test it before doing the repair, so they knew what you were talking about? If you can easily re-create the problem, maybe take it for a road test with them in it before you pay.

 

i doubt if they will take time to go on the expressway with me... there isn't one near the service dept. Yes he did road test it on the neighborhood streets. He said it would do it for him... I explained again, it needs to be over 40 mph hitting a bump or turning right.

 

oops... on my last reply.. he stated it wouldNOT do it for him.

 

DId they give you an estimate? Assuming they are doing the complete pump and rack, and new hoses, you are probably looking at about $250-300 in parts. If they rebuild the pump or rack, it will be lower, but most places just want to do R&R work.

 

the total was over 800 including labor

 

i think it's over 90 bucks an hour labor

 

Is this a dealer, or a local shop?

 

local shop ... highly recommended by a lot of people.. they are AAA certified

 

bah AAA certified doesnt mean they still arnt ripping you off