2001 Expedition Steering Gear Problems

[Tim VanLandingham]

I replaced my Expy's steering gear because at 342K, it was worn out. I ordered a rebuilt Cardone through Rock Auto and it had 2" of slop each side of steering wheel center, and terrible recovery. They replaced it under warranty with another Cardone, and it has the very same issue. I have found internet threads referencing the poor quality of Cardone and other cheaper rebuilds. Does anyone suggest a dependable rebuilt brand? I am looking to get a Motorcraft rebuilt.
I have had my front end checked and all components are tight, except for the looseness in the gear.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

Please check that where the steering shaft attaches to the input shaft on the new steering box does not have play. The knuckle is made of aluminum that is softer than the hardened steel it clamps to and the spines will wear out.

I had to have the entire shaft replaced at a cost of $750 out of warranty. However it was bad long before warranty ran out.

Crawl under with a flashlight and have a helper move the shell back and forth in the "slop". You might want to put a hand on it to feel it grinding.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

 

[riphip]

Red Head Steering: https://redheadsteeringgears.com/product/1972-2000-jeeps-except-cj-manual-steering-gear-copy/

 

[ExplorerTom]

I installed a Red Head on my 2000 and it was great. The difference between my worn old box and the Red Head was amazing. Zero play. Truck felt super responsive afterwards.

 

[Tim VanLandingham]

Please check that where the steering shaft attaches to the input shaft on the new steering box does not have play. The knuckle is made of aluminum that is softer than the hardened steel it clamps to and the spines will wear out.

I had to have the entire shaft replaced at a cost of $750 out of warranty. However it was bad long before warranty ran out.

Crawl under with a flashlight and have a helper move the shell back and forth in the "slop". You might want to put a hand on it to feel it grinding.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

I also replaced the shaft assembly, and had my front-end folks check the front-end components. Everything is tight. While under the vehicle and someone is rocking the steering wheel, the play is clearly in the gear. This shouldn't be on a rebuilt unit, but it seems there are a lot of bad rebuilds out there. I am also considering a Lares rebuilt unit.

 

[JamaicaJoe]

Who is selling this crap?

I am suspicious of stuff being sold as rebuilt or refurbished these days. Can you request all your money back including the core charge? I would then shop locally for a steering box that I could check at the store. It is too critical of a part to trust to chance.

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[Tim VanLandingham]

Got them from Rock Auto. I have purchased thousands of dollars worth of parts over the years, but never a steering box until now. I have used many rebuilt Cardone brake calipers with no problems, and a RABS valve with no problem, but this thing has gotten me. Cardone was the most economical, and I didn’t think something would be bad right out of the box, either.

 

[riphip]

Cardone, like others nowadays it seems, used to be good rebuild resources. Within last 5 years, they have gone low. If it is not correct out of the box, it is NOT economical.
But you will have the extra $$ you saved to pay for the tow truck when it is loaded.