1998 Ford Explorer

MATDEF

MEMBER
1998 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

I recently bought my explorer and while turning on even semi tight corners the steering tightens some. When turning sharply I hear a whining( like low power steering fluid, not that I checked) and some clunking that you can feel. I ran into a fella who had the same rig and he said that was normal. Hmmm. Now my brother just bought an older model, I had him slap it into 4x4( he has a choice) and his is just as bad or worse. Whats up?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

That isn't normal in 2wd. Have the wheel bearings checked and the CV joints.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 6:14 PM

MATDEF

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4 POSTS

Thanks, but I checked the bearings and joints. I dont have the option of 2 wheel drive, only AWD, also I have since removed the front drive shaft and, your right it is fine now, however I bought a 4x4 and thats what I expect to own.

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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 6:33 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

AS far as the noise, if it is gone when you remove the drive shaft, the problem lies in the transfer case. Have the out put shaft and make sure the fluid is clean and full.

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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 6:46 PM

MATDEF

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4 POSTS

Agreed, transfer/ differential, and ive checked the fluid. The question is if this is considered normal? This isnt just my vehicle this is three and ive read of more.

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Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 10:35 PM

MATDEF

MEMBER
4 POSTS

I think ive got a gist of the defects in the design. What I want to know is if there are more of those out there who have had similar issues, long term, that can reassure me that this is a common occurance and is nothing to be alarmed about. Or.