I spent an hour at the local Ford dealership while having the wife's Mustang serviced yesterday, I had a nice visit with one of the salesman. I just happened to mention I needed to replace the steering gear/rack & pinion in my 98 Mountaineer for the second time in 110,000 miles. The salesman told me that was a weak link in all those types of vehicles (too much weight on the front of the vehicle) and I wasn't the only one to have those types of probelms. I have not read anything like that in the many different newsgroups I lurk through. Would any of you more knowledgeable folks care to comment on this issue. Thanks, Steve
98 Explorer/Mountaineer Steering gear
Jun 20, 2008
3 Replies
The operative phrase here is "salesweasel".... If this guy actually knew anything, he would be much higher up on the food chain.
You don't say "why" the rack needed changing the first time... nor do you mention "why" it needs changing now..... There are several ways a part can fail - and this can make a difference in what we judge as a root cause. FWIW, we do change the odd rack on Explorers... and we change the odd rack on just about everything else out there too....
LOL, I agree completely.
First change @ 75000: Lag between turning steering wheel and wheels turning. Now @ 110,000. Leaking shaft on drivers side. Both boots are shot.. The powersteering reservoir looses half of it's capacity in three weeks of around town driving. Also, a mess on the garage floor. BTW, this vehicle has not been off paved roads in the past 35,000 miles. Thanks for the reply, Steve
Join the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required