1996 Ford Explorer Steering Problems

“Lower steering shaft had to be changed in my 1996 Ford Explorer in aug. 2000 (68250 miles) and october 2003 (120000+ miles). First time it occurred, I had almost no steering. The rubber boot keeps tearing and ripping. I bought car new in october 1995.”

“While driving at any speed and without warning, the engine shut off, which caused the consumer to pull over. Dealer had been notified. The lower engine locked, the power steering leaked at the rack assembly, the belt tensioner was faulty and there was a whining noise from the power steering when turning left, right or at stand still.”

“1996 Explorer front end began shaking violently. Vehicle then pulled to the right and consumer lost control striking a guard rail. The steering arm broke on the right wheel resulting in an accident.”

“Was driving a 1996 Ford Explorer on dry concrete on a 2 year old (I.e., in great condition) interstate highway at 75 MPH. Was driving perfectly straight, not changing lanes, nothing. Suddenly and violently, the vehicle swerved first to the left, then to the right. The vehicle went over an ice hump on the side of the right shoulder, went airborne, and slid to a stop in the ditch. No airbags deployed, no seat belt bruises, so very fortunate that the runout was clear and smooth. The 2 driver-side tires were flat and no longer mounted on the rims. …”

“We purchased our vehicle used in 1999 with 33000 miles. 6 months after the purchase we needed a new transmission, another new transmission last year (2002), new ball joints, and now we are being told the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. Ford has not offered any recalls on this part but I have seen other complaints regarding this. My vehicle is constantly shaking (feels like I am going over rumble strips) when I am over 30-40 MPH. We also just had our vehicle aligned and it is out of alignment again because of this problem.”