I have a '98 Ford Explorer XLT (5.0 V8). I just replaced the steering rack because it was leaking like a sieve. The steering also pulsated some during turns, but I figured one thing at a time....
So, now I have the new rack in, and I started the engine with the front wheels up to help finish bleeding the system. When turning the steering wheel, the wheels started oscillating back and forth uncontrollably about 5-10 degrees. I had to stop the engine to get them to stop.
So, what could the problem be?
- Air in the system?
- Bad steering pump?
- Bum replacement rack? (I hope not....)
I'm thinking the pump, since it also pulsated before I did any work, but it doesn't make any noise or anything. Of course, since all the fluid leaked out before I did any work, I guess it could just as easily be air. Oh, and I did transfer the check valve from the old rack to the new one.
Any advice on bleeding the system? I felt like I turned the wheel back and forth a million times before I finally just started the engine, but I never got rid of a gurgling sound. I was hoping that running the engine would finish the job.
And what's with the transmission fluid? Why isn't power steering fluid used??
Thanks, Eric