2002 Power Rack repairs
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2002 Power Rack repairs
Has anybody ever repaired a Power Rack for a 2002 Explorer 4.0. I need to replace the Inner Tie Rods. This is the part that the outer tie rods screw onto. My explorer was involved in a wreck and both were boken. I have the steering rack off the vehicle and the boots are off. It appears that it is a ball and socket type and the socket just unscrews. Can these safetly be unscrewed by just holding the whole rack in a vise or would it be better to hold the rack shaft protected in a vise. Any help on this subject would be appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: South Texas
2002 Power Rack repairs
In my opinion, you should not try to repair the rack unit yourself, and here is my reasoning. SAFETY ther could be internal damage you cannot forsee.
I had a T-bird what was hit in an accident on one wheel. After repairs, I noticed the steering was funny and did not respond correctly. The unit dragged and did not return to center as expected. Steering the car was more like pointing a gun. Wherever it was pointed, that is where it stayed by itself.
The steering was so unacceptably unsafe, I had the rack unit replaced with a rebuilt and all was well.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Dialtone
I had a T-bird what was hit in an accident on one wheel. After repairs, I noticed the steering was funny and did not respond correctly. The unit dragged and did not return to center as expected. Steering the car was more like pointing a gun. Wherever it was pointed, that is where it stayed by itself.
The steering was so unacceptably unsafe, I had the rack unit replaced with a rebuilt and all was well.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Dialtone
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
2002 Power Rack repairs
You are supposed to hold the shaft that the tie rod end attaches to when you remove and install it but most of the time that doesnt happen. Most guys just turn the ends on and off without holding anything. Like Dialtone said there could be internal damage but usually if the steering feels ok, not tight or loosed spots as you turn the wheel etc it will probably be ok. If there is any doubt though it should be replaced.
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2002 Power Rack repairs
Racerguy, thanks for the input. I am not sure I made my self clear. The parts that need replacing are the inner tie rods and not the outer tie rods. If you turn the inner tie rods they just spin (they set in a socket). I need to remove (unscrew) the socket so the inner tie rod can be removed and replaced with new ones. This must be a servicable item because Ford sells them relative cheap (35.00). I believe the power rack is internally ok I drove it around after welding the broken pieces back together. (just so I could move it from one place to another). I was just wondering if there was any "trick" to unscrewing the socket part. I don't want to mess up the rack by holding it in the wrong place.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
2002 Power Rack repairs
I knew what you were asking. I just called it the tie rod end but what I meant was the inner tie rod end/socket...or the drumstick as we call it at work 
Like I said you are supposed to hold the shaft that it attaches to but most guys dont. Just take big Channellock pliers or a Crescent wrench and turn the socket end off.
Like I said you are supposed to hold the shaft that it attaches to but most guys dont. Just take big Channellock pliers or a Crescent wrench and turn the socket end off.
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2002 Power Rack repairs
Racerguy, Thanks that is what I wanted to hear. I was just wondering if it would be hard to unscrew, and if it was... that the whole rack would try to turn and might jam something inside.
Thanks again
Thanks again
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