Ford Explorer Center (Drag) Link Replacement Costs

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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 Center (Drag) Link Replacement is $245 with $150 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
1994 Ford ExplorerV6-4.0L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$448.93	Shop/Dealer Price$536.79 - $771.12
2000 Ford ExplorerV6-4.0L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$422.93	Shop/Dealer Price$510.81 - $745.16
2010 Ford ExplorerV6-4.0L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$422.93	Shop/Dealer Price$510.81 - $745.16
2016 Ford ExplorerV6-3.5L Turbo	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$422.93	Shop/Dealer Price$510.78 - $745.11
2018 Ford ExplorerL4-2.3L Turbo	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$394.43	Shop/Dealer Price$479.32 - $711.43
2017 Ford ExplorerV6-3.5L Turbo	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$422.93	Shop/Dealer Price$510.81 - $745.16
2003 Ford ExplorerV8-4.6L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$429.43	Shop/Dealer Price$517.13 - $751.35
2013 Ford ExplorerV6-3.5L	Service typeCenter (Drag) Link Replacement	Estimate$429.43	Shop/Dealer Price$517.62 - $752.20

Show example Ford Explorer 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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Ray

32 years of experience

91 reviews

Ray

32 years of experience

by Krystal

Ford Explorer V6-4.0L - Fuel Pump - Charlotte, North Carolina

Jesus

16 years of experience

68 reviews

Jesus

16 years of experience

by Jodie

Ford Explorer V6-4.0L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Long Beach, California

I was 100 miles away and needed a reliable person to inspect a car for possible purchase. The Your Mechanic service from the wonderfully helpful and happy receptionist/dispatcher to Jesus was exceptional. Jesus gave me point by point issues with the car. I was disappointed the car was not what I had hoped but how grateful to find out BEFORE I bought it. Jesus also gave me some great information on ways to avoid future sellers who hide their car's issues. Thank you Jesus! I wish you lived in my city to be my regular mechanic.

Roberto

12 years of experience

304 reviews

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Roberto

12 years of experience

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by Erika

Ford Explorer V6-4.0L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - Humble, Texas

Excellent Service from Roberto. I always trust Roberto. Very Professional as well as concerned about my vehicle and provides the BEST Advice to keeping me safe on the road with a reliable vehicle. I have recommended so many people about Your Mechanic. Wake up America. Your Mechanic is the Greatest!!!! A life Saver. I am Stress free knowing Your Mechanic and Roberto will get the job done. My vehicle is an older model and it drives better than the newest vehicles. Thank You so much Your Mechanic.

Jay

37 years of experience

947 reviews

Jay

37 years of experience

by Terry

Ford Explorer V6-4.0L - AC is not working Inspection - Upland, California

Jay was awesome as he always is. I won't ever use any other mechanic outside YourMechanic.com. Thank you,Jay

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