Ford Explorer Sport Center (Drag) Link Replacement at your home or office.

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Center (Drag) Link Replacement Service

How much does a Center (Drag) Link Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Explorer Sport Center (Drag) Link Replacement is $273 with $150 for parts and $123 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2003 Ford Explorer SportV6-4.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$448.93Shop/Dealer Price$536.79 - $771.12
2002 Ford Explorer SportV6-4.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$422.93Shop/Dealer Price$510.81 - $745.16
2001 Ford Explorer SportV6-4.0LService typeCenter (Drag) Link ReplacementEstimate$422.93Shop/Dealer Price$510.81 - $745.16
Show example Ford Explorer Sport Center (Drag) Link Replacement prices

What is the Center (Drag) Link all about?

The center link, also known as a drag link, converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle into the corresponding direction of the wheels when turning. You can find the drag link connected to the pitman arm, which attaches to the steering column. The other end of the drag link connects to the steering arm and eventually to the tie rods, which play a major part in pivoting the wheels that steer the vehicle.

In some vehicles, the drag link connects directly to the tie rod assembly via a ball joint instead of to a steering arm. Drag links come in either a solid single-piece or as an adjustable design.

Keep in mind:

  • In addition to the drag link, our expert mechanic will also check the ball joints connecting the drag link to the pitman arm and the steering arm or tie rod assembly for wear or cracking.
  • Many drag links feature replaceable ends so you do not have to replace the whole part.
  • One of our expert mechanics will also inspect the shocks and struts when checking the drag link to make sure these parts remain in good shape.

How it's done:

  • The vehicle front wheels are turned straight and the vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands
  • The defective center drag link is removed
  • The new center drag link is installed
  • The vehicle is removed from jack stands
  • The vehicle is road tested and checked for proper steering operation

Our recommendation:

By following your vehicle's regular maintenance schedule, you should have the linkage beneath the vehicle, including the drag link, inspected whenever you have the vehicle lubed. Most often, though, today's ball joints, tie rods, and other parts are sealed and require little to no maintenance. In this case, have one of our expert mechanics inspect the drag link when performing a tire rotation or change, a vehicle alignment, or whenever your vehicle displays symptoms that might indicate a problem is developing with the drag link or any of its related components.

When inspecting the drag link, the mechanic will look for any excessive play, a strong indicator that the part needs replacing.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Center (Drag) Link?

  • Vibration while driving
  • Wobbling while driving

How important is this service?

The drag link is an important component in the operation of your vehicle. A faulty drag link can cause your vehicle to vibrate or wobble while driving, affecting the handling, stability, and alignment of the vehicle, making it more difficult to drive. If the faulty drag link is not replaced, the vehicle will eventually become inoperable.

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Rating Summary
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Scott

36 years of experience
902 reviews
Scott
36 years of experience
Ford Explorer Sport V6-4.0L - Car is not starting - Phoenix, Arizona
Smart, friendly, listened and got right ro the issue. Would highly recommend.

Marco

29 years of experience
226 reviews
Marco
29 years of experience
Ford Explorer Sport V6-4.0L - Radiator Hose Repair - Fontana, California
Convenient and quick.

Mitchel

24 years of experience
239 reviews
Mitchel
24 years of experience
Ford Explorer Sport V6-4.0L - Coolant is leaking - Miami, Florida
He is a great great mechanic. He really knows his stuff. This is my 4th time using him and he has come thru every single time.

Ostus

8 years of experience
70 reviews
Ostus
8 years of experience
Ford Explorer Sport V6-4.0L - Service Battery/cables - Fairburn, Georgia
Ostus was great! He arrived early... was knowledgeable and informative regarding my suv. I will definitely recommend his services and yourmechanic to anyone who needs automotive work! Excellent experience 

Excellent Rating

(34)

Rating Summary
34
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Number of Ford Explorer Sport services completed
374+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Ford MECHANICS
1700+
experts on our platform

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