So I noticed while driving my 98 Ford Ranger 2WD I was getting a sporadic front end noise and a looseness sensation. Checked underneath and saw this: http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/sgull1/IMG_1811.jpg Could somebody please identify what is this leaking joint, what's likely happened here and what I need to get fixed. Any comment/advice appreciated. Thanks
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That's your Rack and Pinion, AKA steering box on IFS vehicles. You cant just replace the seal, you have to replace the entire assembly.
Yes it is in fact the inner tie rod, I discovered. From what I've been reading, its likely that I have leaking seal from the steering rack, with power steering fluid which is seeping out of the dust boot there. I checked the power steering fluid level, it was slightly low but not much. I've been informed the fix is typically to replace the entire rack. I can get one for $140, but not sure about the labor time involved to have a shop do the change-out.
Here's a nifty little tool I use. The second link will give you the hours a shop will charge you. Enter "rack and pinion" and all your information. http://www.rangerforum.net/f29/online-repair-manuals-2206/
Thanks Brinker for the link(s). The first one listed returned no url found. With the second one I can get three separate estimates of the labor time, "factory, regular, and extreme". Factory listed at 2 hours, regular listed at 2 hours, and extreme listed at 2.3 hours.
Well there ya go. Glad I could help. And I just updated the Chilton manual for us. Thanks for giving me the heads up.
Wow, a free online Chilton manual. Seems too good to be true. Thanks again for sharing those helpful links. I've been debating with myself whether to spring the bucks for a Chilton manual for my Ranger for a long time. Debate over. :thumbsup:
Update: I noticed today that link no worky anymore for free access to online Chilton manual (unless you have a valid Michigan driver license).