Two problems related to power steering pump have been reported for the 1996 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Tensioner that keeps belt tight sheared off causing loss of belt tension and loss of power stearing. Lucky that car was in driveway at the time. (engine was at idle). Tensioner fell to the driveway. Was putting grand babies in the car in preparation for making a trip. Could have been a catastrophe if the event had happened a few minutes later while driving at highway speed.
Power steering pump failed.