Ford Explorer owners have reported 4 problems related to power steering hose, piping, and connections (under the steering category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the Explorer.
For about a week strange noises were observed upon shifting from park into reverse. During a 5 mile trip into town, power steering pump noise was observed when turning. Upon reaching destination I experienced difficulty maneuvering into a parking space and observed a lot of steering pump noise. Upon return home I checked the reservoir to find it extremely low and a check under the vehicle revealed fluid had been leaking and distributed all the way to the back of the vehicle. Upon filling and starting the vehicle, no apparent location was observed except the connection to the rack & pinion looked to be leaking but the only evidence was apparent lack of dust build up which was evident around the attachment plate which indicates there has been enough flow to remove buildup from leaking condition.
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all problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer
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My 2000 v8 Ford Explorer experienced a serious and sudden loss of steerabilty, which led to loss of control and inability to turn a corner - and vehicle ran across traffic into field on other side of roadway. The power steering hose in the engine compartment became unfastened due to everyday vibration, and moved into a position where it was rubbing against one of the belt pulleys (the one nearest the power steering fluid reservoir). This caused the power steering hose to rupture, with immediate loss of power steering. I feel fortunate to have my wife still alive after this episode of poor design. If not for a small break in oncoming traffic, she may well have been killed while attempting to complete a right turn at an intersection. Since this occurred today, I have not yet had the vehicle repaired.
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all problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer
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The steering wheel makes a grinding noise when making a left of right turn. Dealership replaced the power steering hose with an updated one, as stated in the technical servic ebulletin 9821-01 which corrected the problem.
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all problems of the 1998 Ford Explorer
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While driving at 70 mph the vehicle serverly turned to the left, the consumer had to quickly regain control of vehicle by turning to right to stay on road, the vehicle wa talen to the dealer for a brake job when dealer discovered a vibration in steering column. Dealer repaired a steering hose that was routed improperly. There is a bulletin # 98-21-1.