Ford Explorer steering rack noise repair | How to fix cracking noise when turning

[@clintjensen4086]

Nov 2024 - Thanks for posting this video. I had the same issue (popping & clanking) with my 2016 Explorer Platinum with 81K miles. It’s been intermittent over the last several months, on right hand turns only, but the Ford dealer couldn’t replicate it. In time it became worse every time we drove it, but everything else was solid (CV & ball joints, rods, etc). Another KZbin video was also helpful because it explained the steering stopper ring is a 2-piece unit with a gasket between them. It’s purpose is to keep the steering rack from hitting its travel limits HARD on right hand turns. But it’s a poor design by Ford, it separates in time, and the outer ring gets hung up on the steering rack threads, which causes the intermittent popping and clanking sounds. My inner ring was solid, even after I tried to rotate and get it to move, so I left it alone. Once I started, I was done in 45 minutes. This was a free and easy solution for me because the popping and clanking is gone. My only caution to others is this: If you remove the outer ring, be aware NOT to make HARD right hand turns. And if you’re in doubt, contact your local Ford dealer or automotive repair shop. Thanks again to the people who take the time to post these KZbin videos that help DIY’ers like me! CJ in Las Vegas

[@jamesbutler71]

Awesome! We had this same noise with our 2016 Ford Exploder (heh) and was worried we would have to replace the whole steering rack as the tie ends etc were solid. After removing the tire, I shook the dust boot on the steering shaft and could hear the steel ring knocking around in there. Pulled the boot back and sure enough there is was in all its glory. Can't thank you enough for this, yes it would be better to replace it but they don't make them seprately from the rack which costs about 3-4 grand and only if you can find one. From one garage dad to another, thank you!

[@akhaqan]

Excellent video, great job. Thanks for taking the time to make it. Ford dealership asked $3500 for this job to replace the entire rack!!!

[@JoshLovesDrifting]

The steering wheel on my lady’s 2016 explorer locked up in the driveway, felt just like the steering column lock was on. Took a look, that metal ring was jammed sideways in the rack. I coaxed it out, steering is free now! The clicking sounds in the steering are also gone now. Thanks so much for this video!

[@u2slo2kno3]

If you looked at the rack with the ridges and the ring you can see the the clicking noise when turning is exactly what happening as described in this video..... Perfect by the way thanks for sharing OP. My wifes 2014 Edge Sport has this issue and I bet this is it.

[@darinruley]

Just went out and checked my wifes 2016 sport. It looked just like yours in the video. Cut it off and its quiet again. Thank you for sharing.

[@darinruley]

This took around 5 minutes to diagnose. Jack car up, place jack stand, remove tire and shake that rack boot. another 5 minutes to repair and put the tire back on. Super simple.

[@denzeljackson6505]

Bro this help me out a lot I got the same issue I just purchased a car a month ago, the dealer striped the whole suspension they said they can't find anything wrong & the noise was gone but when i took it for a test drive with the foreman the noise is still there. Going to tell him check this video out thanks a lot

[@briandevlin9800]

Thank you so much for this. I was able to fix this in under an hour. This truck is full of issues.

[@tonymarconi4539]

Worked great for my 2016 explorer platinum! Thought it was bad cv axle(s) until I lifted the car and steered the vehicle by hand. Had a ton of deteriorated rubber inside that boot too that I cleaned out.

[@renowarner8005]

Thank you! This turned out to be the issue on my 2016 Ford Explorer.

[@JAllen-db2kv]

That item is a bump stop for the steering. It begins as a rubber washer sandwiched between two steel washers. Without it there is a very real possibility of over steering and having the tire rub on varied items. I have seen some people try different nylon type plastic spacers in place of the factory bump stop. The bump stop takes pretty much of a beating though as can be seen by the condition of yours. Check the interweb for options for a bushing to replace the bump stop.

[@x000748]

Other than oversteering, any other negative consequences of removing these? They are there for a purpose and I am concerned if you can oversteer on one side, can the other move out too much? What do you mean by searching "interweb for options for a bushing to replace the bump stop"? Can you elaborate? Thanks.

[@gopilot21]

It's likely been missing for a very long time. And no other negative consequences seem to be associated.

[@familygeek788]

U probably work at ford lol

[@adamhg985]

Thanks. Ive had an awful clicking, spent a ton replacinf half shafts thought CV joints were going bad. This is the problem I bet. Gonna try it out

[@bobcrappies]

2016 doing the same thing in your video, only video I could find and recognize what is going on hopefully Saturday I can get this took care of!

[@bobcrappies]

By the way, thanks for sharing

[@angelawhited9734]

Hi, thanks for this video. The dealer couldn't replicate the noise at first, but they finally did and said we need to replace the strut bearing "to fix concern". This is a $1300 "repair" basically just to get rid of the noise and our concern. They claim it isn't a safety issue at all, just an annoying noise. Can you confirm that leaving this alone is not a cause for safety concern? I don't want to pay a dealer and am not handy enough to get in there myself. Thanks!

[@marcinkotun4604]

Dzięki z Polski . A już zamówiłem drążki kierownicze 😂😂😂😂. Usunołem metalowy pierścień i już nic nie stuka . 😊😊😊

[@cossi8640]

Czy ten pierścień jest tylko z jednej strony pasażera ? Możesz opisać jaki to był dźwięk ?

[@JoseLopez-lk2zb]

Same noise, gonna try this today! Fingers crossed

[@vinaaday7873]

I'm trying to find out what the grinding noise when we hit 55 to 60 Mph. We don't know what's wrong with it.

[@bigalbranim614]

Does it happen on Escape’s been fighting the exact same issue

[@Mattyice3188]

Gonna try this , I have the same noise!

[@JoseLopez-lk2zb]

Woooooo! Thanks man! It was exactly that.

[@AutoDad]

Glad I could help

[@xxxkubek]

What name is it this damage parts? Any bumper? Or maybe know you the parts number?

[@rolandoaguilar9842]

After the instalition did You have to do somthing with the computer ?

[@AutoDad]

No

[@chadsteele440]

Have you had any issues since you have took the ring off? Mine is the same way I have it apart now and about to cut that ring off. Was just wondering have you noticed anything since or is it still fine?

[@AutoDad]

Still no issues at all

[@w.c.6678]

Where did the grease come into the equation? Shouldn't it be greased? I thought that was why you opened it?

[@josh1678gt]

Thank you so much I just had to do this to mine we have the same model and color sport lol

[@eldavo9030]

Muy buen consejo

[@laporte51]

How are you going to charge me if I bring for repair thanks

[@JAG6363]

Why not turn the wheel all the way to the left?

[@joseecheverria2065]

I did the same 😅

[@squarebodybuilder]

Well that is just a dust seal and didn't make any difference on mine, If you have any noise your steering rack is on the way out. I got excited for a moment after watching this but ford explorers are prone to rack failures. It's a $1500 part and expensive repair unfortunately.

[@martainnwaddles6514]

🌷 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙢

[@almministrys1659]

It's a swuakky sound

[@Lppoley]

What noise are you talking about. Would have been nice if you actually showed the noise. There are tons of noises that can occur from tie rods, cv joints, struts, etc. Let's hear the exact noise.... I think I have the same issue but if I heard it I'd know for sure.

[@TravisFaley]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ArcticSniper1000]

@@TravisFaley He's exactly correct. There are way too many "noises" to talk about. A sound clip of the specified noise is absolutely crucial. Otherwise this is worthless.

[@alexcorrea4828]

Why wouldn't you include the noise....

[@TERRORoftheLORD]

(Disliked for foul language).