rubbing noise from front end while turning at low speed

Just bought a very nice looking 98 explorer that drove great when i first brought it home. It just started getting colder within a couple weeks and i notice that the front end was making a very weird rubbing noise while i turned at low speed. It makes worst noise when i turn left but still makes some while turning right. I thought maybe the cold was causing this but it has warmed a little bit since and it almost sounds like its getting worse. It doesnt affect the driving any but you can hear and feel it through the steering. Was told it could be u-joints or rack and pinion but not quite sure. Is this a common thing for the explorer? Anyone know what it might be and how it can be fixed? I would highly appreciate it.

Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel all the way one way. Shut vehicle off. Take cap off power steering reservoir and look for any foam in the fluid. If the fluid is foamy, air is getting into the system. Most likely cause is rack sucking air through the seals. If you do this a few times from full lock to full lock, the foam should decrease and some of the vibration should disappear. Good luck. We have about 50 Explorers, 98 and newer, and most of them exhibit the same problem.

Have your Upper & Lower ball Joints looked at. Thats what happened to me.

Just bought a very nice looking 98 explorer that drove great when i first brought it home. It just started getting colder within a couple weeks and i notice that the front end was making a very weird rubbing noise while i turned at low speed. It makes worst noise when i turn left but still makes some while turning right. I thought maybe the cold was causing this but it has warmed a little bit since and it almost sounds like its getting worse. It doesnt affect the driving any but you can hear and feel it through the steering. Was told it could be u-joints or rack and pinion but not quite sure. Is this a common thing for the explorer? Anyone know what it might be and how it can be fixed? I would highly appreciate it.

Check the U joints in the front axles, and check your 4WD hubs also.

Just bought a very nice looking 98 explorer that drove great when i first brought it home. It just started getting colder within a couple weeks and i notice that the front end was making a very weird rubbing noise while i turned at low speed. It makes worst noise when i turn left but still makes some while turning right. I thought maybe the cold was causing this but it has warmed a little bit since and it almost sounds like its getting worse. It doesnt affect the driving any but you can hear and feel it through the steering. Was told it could be u-joints or rack and pinion but not quite sure. Is this a common thing for the explorer? Anyone know what it might be and how it can be fixed? I would highly appreciate it.
i would lean more towards your outer tie rods

A lot of talk about tie-rods and ball joints....... NOT

By your description, I would say you have a front wheel bearing (Hub) that is going bad. These days, wheel bearings, that are noisy, will run a long time without failing. I would guess it would be the Right Front wheel bearing/hub assembly.

Replaced the dust seals and apply plenty of grease.