Three problems related to power steering pump have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
- the contact stated that while driving the 1998 Ford Explorer at approximately 15 mph she heard a rubbing noise coming from the left front of the vehicle. She did not receive any warning lights, and the road conditions were clear. Suddenly, it became very hard to turn the steering wheel and she had no control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership informed the contact that the power steering pump failed, and it released debris into the rack and pinion, which caused that to fail. The vehicle was being repaired by the dealership. The vehicle currently has 65042 miles. Updated 04/12/07.
Left side tensioner has been recalled for same reason that right side failed. It is the same piece of equipment and failed for the same reasons yet it has not been recalled yet.
While driving 20 mph and without warning, power steering failed, causing loss of vehicle control. After inspection of vehicle by dealer it was determined that power steering pump needed to be replaced.