Noise from front end and steering.

No idea about #1... but concerning problem #2..... I had a very similar noise in my 96' Explorer which I could not locate either. Light rattling through steerinf wheel, especially during slow turns over bumps. Discussed the problem with a Ford tech friend of of mine. He did some research on factory TSB's regarding this noise. Told me to replace the connecting link\bar which goes between the end of the steering column and the steering gearbox. It's a 2 piece tubular telescoping unit. Mine was loose internally and was rattling. The new piece is a beefed up heavier looking part which eliminated the knocking\rattling sound in my Explorer steering. Part cost me approx. $100, I installed it myself.

Don't you need to re-align the front after you change the tie rods ?

BTW, someone else mentioned this as a possible cause as well.

Can you tell me which part you replaced in the following diagram ?

is for a 98 Explorer. Did you replace the other side as well ?

I believe he is referring to this part (#2) :

I replaced the same thing on mine. It wasn't rattling but there was some slop in the joint. No realignment is necessary since this is only a connecting link between the steering column and the rack and pinion.

Steve

I believe he is referring to this part (#2) :

I replaced the same thing on mine. It wasn't rattling but there was some slop in the joint. No realignment is necessary since this is only a connecting link between the steering column and the rack and pinion.

Steve

How do you get to it ? How much work is it ?

I d> > Can you tell me which part you replaced in the following diagram ?

You get to it from under the hood. It takes about 15 minutes to change and only requires a few hand tools.

As far as the noise does it only happen when the wheel is cranked hard left ?

The noise happens at slow speed and sounds and feels like a low rattle from the left. I can hear it and even feel it a bit thought the steering wheel. The steering doesn't have any play in it at all and the noise doesn't happen while turning the wheel.

That's why I th> > How do you get to it ? How much work is it ?

My steering had no noticeable slop, but only made rattling sounds in slow cornering situations. The sound seemed to originate from under the dash or the floorboard. I crawled all over (and under) the car looking for loose objects or steering components. When I replace that part, the rattling sound went away.

is it a clicking sort of ratcheting sound on left {sharp left turns} ? I went through this a few times on my '99 sport {actually, I just had it fixed yesterday for the 3rd time}, it was the drivers side front hub that went bad.

3 times in 6 years ???

Just back few hours ago from Ford dealer. I have the same problem ( for 2 months ) as you describe , on a 2002 XLT , 28000 Miles. When I drive in the morning ( 25 miles ), no noise , everything is correct. Strangely , I can hear a knocking noise when driving back to home in the afternoon.It seems like a part of the steering wheel is missing and moving at low speed and medium speed. It's really annoying , and Ford Dealer has no solution.

Everything has been checked ( Suspension , transmission , tires , steering wheel ) and looks normal.

Is there a risk to drive the car ? I'm afraid nobody can answer.

Regards

ART

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