Ford Repair: Knocking, hi mike, tie rod

Question
I have a 1999 Ford Explorer with 93,000 miles. When driving (slow or fast) I feel a slight knocking or bumping in the steering wheel. It is not audible but I can feel it. I looked around under the car to see if anything was loose but didn't see anything. It feels like something is hanging down and bumping the steering column at random.  It is not a steady bump. I don't feel it in the brake pedal. Any Ideas?

Answer
Hi Mike,
Sounds like you need inner and outer tie rod ends replaced. You can test it if you have the tools. First jack up front wheels and put a 21mm wrench on the adjusting nut on the outer tie rod end. Rotate it back and forth about 45 Deg., if you feel it binding, that is the side you need to replace. although it is probably easier to replace all 4 ends. Then have it aligned.

Jeff
AllExperts