2003 Ford Explorer Steering problems

My truck just recently started to act up when steering the truck in both directions. It will get tight then loose then tight then loose as you turn the wheel. Any ideas on what the problem could be? Thanks for any info

I have been having similiar issues. I took it in and was told all 4 ball joints, and 1 tie rod end was shot. Explorer ball joints cannot be greased so they go often.

Something to look into

I have been having similiar issues. I took it in and was told all 4 ball joints, and 1 tie rod end was shot. Explorer ball joints cannot be greased so they go often.

Something to look into

I do have a torn tie rod end boot which I know about for a while now. Maybe thats the prob. Thanks

Definitely not my area of expertise, but I think that the steering column has something like a U-joint in it, after it comes thru the firewall and before it goes to the steering rack. Maybe that joint is catching/grabbing as you rotate the steering column. So, does it get hard to turn at the same point in each rotation of the wheel?

FWIW.