1996 Ford Explorer Rack & Pinion Replacement - Ford Forums

Gooneybird100 · 07-22-2007, 14:06

I have a 1996 Ford Explorer that seems to be requiring a rack-and-pinion replacement. The left wheel has movement when the vehicle is jacked, there is noise when moving it from side to side, and it looks as if a little fluid is leaking.

It is my understanding that the internal gaskets are just that..internal with no option of replacing them without replacing the whole rack-and-pinion system.

I have a Haynes Manual, but there does not seem to be much information in their regarding this issue.

Can anyone recommend additional sources for free or low cost instructions on completing this task?

Thank you.

backlash1 · 07-24-2007, 04:35

Hi
I just want to point out that If there's free-play in the wheel (side to side) and you're absolutely sure that it's not the tie-rod end ball joint, then it will be a worn inner tie-rod end (inside the rack) and changing the gaskets won't stop the leaks or the noise. You need to rebuild the rack and this requieres a number of special tools and replacement parts that I don't think you can buy off the shelves.