31 Steering parts are listed for the 2021 Ford Explorer, in 6 part types, covering all 4 engine options (2.3L L4 Turbocharged, 3.0L V6 Turbocharged, 3.3L V6 and 3.3L V6 ELECTRIC/GAS). Each one has a brand, a manufacturer part number and notes that say where it fits.
The steering system on the 2021 Ford Explorer connects driver to road through the rack, pump, tie rods, and column components. The largest groups are Tie Rod End (17 parts), Rack and Pinion (6 parts) and Knuckle (4 parts). The other 3 part types cover the remaining 4 parts.
The 2021 Ford Explorer was sold with 4 engines. 25 parts fit every engine; the other 6 are engine-specific. Each part shows which engine(s) it fits.
6 brands supply steering parts for the 2021 Ford Explorer, led by MOTORCRAFT (15 parts), MEVOTECH (5 parts) and TERREPOWER (3 parts), plus 3 more brands. Quality grades include Daily Driver, Economy and New.
A "Popular" badge means the source catalog flagged the part as frequently chosen for the 2021 Ford Explorer. 4 parts have it, including MEVOTECH MS40779 (Tie Rod End) and MEVOTECH MS406133 (Tie Rod End). Each part number opens a page with every vehicle that part fits.
Knuckle
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MEF535 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front RightST Version or Platinum Version or King Ranch Series or Base Version | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MEF537 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front LeftST Version or Platinum Version or King Ranch Series or Base Version | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MEF3730 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Right | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MEF3731 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Knuckle & Bushing Assy, Left | View on Amazon |
This table covers the steering knuckles that carry the hub, caliper and ball joints.
MOTORCRAFT supplies the 4 Knuckle parts for the 2021 Ford Explorer. All of them fit every engine offered in the 2021 Explorer.
Listed part numbers: MOTORCRAFT MEF535, MOTORCRAFT MEF537 and MOTORCRAFT MEF3730, plus the other parts above.
Rack and Pinion
New
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged | STE924 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | ST Model | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged | STE959 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Chicago Plant Build | View on Amazon |
Remanufactured
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TERREPOWER Fits: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged | 2010213E | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Remanufactured | View on Amazon |
| TERREPOWER Fits: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged | 2010197E | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Remanufactured | View on Amazon |
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: 3.3L V6, 3.3L V6 ELECTRIC/GAS | STE921 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | View on Amazon | |
| TERREPOWER Fits: 2.3L L4 Turbocharged | 2010213E | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Remanufactured | View on Amazon |
This table covers the steering gear assemblies that turn the tie rods. Typical signs include fluid at a torn boot, a growl when you turn, or play that the inner tie rods do not explain. Flush the old power-steering fluid with the rack — grit in the old fluid is the usual cause of a repeat leak.
6 Rack and Pinion parts are listed for the 2021 Ford Explorer, from MOTORCRAFT and TERREPOWER.
In the New grade, MOTORCRAFT supplies 2 parts: brand-new units rather than rebuilt ones. A representative part number is MOTORCRAFT STE924.
In the Remanufactured grade, TERREPOWER supplies 2 parts: factory-rebuilt units with new wear components. A representative part number is TERREPOWER 2010213E.
2 ungrouped parts are not assigned to a grade, with the same engine-level match.
Part numbers include MOTORCRAFT STE924, MOTORCRAFT STE959 and TERREPOWER 2010213E, among others listed above.
Steering Column
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | STC38 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | with Power Tilt/Telescopic Steering Column | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | STC90 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Tilting Only Steering Column | View on Amazon |
This table covers the steering columns.
MOTORCRAFT supplies both parts for the 2021 Ford Explorer. All of them fit every engine offered in the 2021 Explorer.
Part numbers include MOTORCRAFT STC38 and MOTORCRAFT STC90.
Steering Shaft
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | STCS17 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | with Tilting Only Steering Column | View on Amazon |
This table covers the Steering shafts.
One part is listed for the 2021 Ford Explorer — MOTORCRAFT STCS17.
Tie Rod End
Daily Driver
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEVOTECH Popular Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MS40779 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | SupremeIncludes Jam Nut | View on Amazon |
| MEVOTECH Popular Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MS406133 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Supreme | View on Amazon |
| MEVOTECH Popular Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MS406134 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Supreme | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Popular Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MEF588 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Includes Boots and Clips | View on Amazon |
| MOOG Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | EV801576 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Inner | View on Amazon |
| MOOG Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | ES801596 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Right Outer | View on Amazon |
| MOOG Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | ES801597 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Left Outer | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MEF543 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Inner | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MEF672 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Right Outer | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | MEF671 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Left Outer | View on Amazon |
| SUSPENSIA Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | X15TR0539 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Inner | View on Amazon |
| SUSPENSIA Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | X15TE1046 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Left Outer | View on Amazon |
| SUSPENSIA Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | X15TE1047 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Right Outer | View on Amazon |
Economy
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DORMAN Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | 544566 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Right Outer | View on Amazon |
| DORMAN Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | 544565 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Left Outer | View on Amazon |
Premium
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEVOTECH Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | TXMS406133 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Terrain ToughTTX | View on Amazon |
| MEVOTECH Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | TXMS406134 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Terrain ToughTTX | View on Amazon |
This table covers the inner and outer tie-rod ends that steer each front knuckle. Typical signs include play on center, a feathered front tire, or a boot that has split and packed with grit. Replace inner and outer ends together on a high-mileage axle, then get an alignment.
17 Tie Rod End parts for the 2021 Ford Explorer come from 5 brands — MEVOTECH, MOTORCRAFT, MOOG and 2 other brands. The "Popular" part is MEVOTECH MS40779. Every part fits all 4 engine options (2.3L L4 Turbocharged, 3.0L V6 Turbocharged, 3.3L V6 and 3.3L V6 ELECTRIC/GAS).
In the Daily Driver grade, MOTORCRAFT, MEVOTECH, MOOG and 1 other brand supply 13 parts: grouped for everyday commuting duty. A representative part number is MEVOTECH MS40779.
The Economy section lists 2 options from DORMAN — the catalog's value-priced group. DORMAN 544566 is listed in this group.
In the Premium grade, MEVOTECH supplies 2 parts: a step above OE specification in materials, tolerances or warranty terms. A representative part number is MEVOTECH TXMS406133.
Tie Rod End Boot
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2021 Explorer engines | STB25 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | View on Amazon |
This table covers the Tie Rod End boots. Typical signs include a split boot, grease flung around the joint, or a click once grit is inside. A boot caught early is a kit. Once the joint has clicked, the joint itself is usually worn.
This group shows a single part: MOTORCRAFT STB25.
Buying Steering Parts for a 2021 Ford Explorer
On this vehicle, the steering system connects driver to road through the rack, pump, tie rods, and column components.
- Match the engine first. Some steering parts fit every engine; others are engine-specific. Each row shows which engine(s) it fits.
- Read the notes on each row for position, trim and spec qualifiers before you order.
- Where labor overlaps, replace the inner and outer tie-rod ends together on higher-mileage vehicles, then get an alignment.
- Cross-reference the manufacturer part number against your old part or a service-manual listing.
Start with the largest groups on this page: Tie Rod End and Rack and Pinion .
Frequently Asked Questions
How many steering parts fit the 2021 Ford Explorer?
Our catalog currently lists 31 steering parts for the 2021 Ford Explorer across 6 subcategories and 6 brands, covering all 4 engine options (2.3L L4 Turbocharged, 3.0L V6 Turbocharged, 3.3L V6 and 3.3L V6 ELECTRIC/GAS). Each part is matched to the engine(s) it fits.
Do steering parts differ between 2021 Ford Explorer engines?
Some do. 25 parts fit every engine; the other 6 are engine-specific. Each row (and the filter at the top) shows which. If you're unsure which engine you have, check the emissions label under the hood or the 8th character of your VIN.
What are the signs of steering problems on a 2021 Ford Explorer?
Common symptoms include play or looseness on center, a whine when turning, fluid weeping from rack boots, or uneven tire wear on the front axle. If you notice any of these, identify the affected subcategory above and cross-reference the part numbers listed.
What should I replace at the same time?
Where labor overlaps, replace the inner and outer tie-rod ends together on higher-mileage vehicles, then get an alignment.
What do the market flags (US, CA, MX) on each part mean?
They show the market for which the manufacturer published application data for that part — where the vehicle was first sold, not where the part was made. If your 2021 Ford Explorer was originally sold in the US, the safest choice is a part marked for the US market.
How do I make sure a part fits my 2021 Ford Explorer?
First match the engine — each row shows which engine(s) the part fits. Then flush old power-steering fluid when replacing a pump or rack — grit in the old fluid is the number-one cause of repeat failure. The notes column carries position and trim qualifiers where they apply.
Other Parts for the 2021 Ford Explorer
Steering Parts for Other Ford Explorer Years
Switch vehicle or jump to a subcategory
Manufacturer names, model designations and part numbers are used for identification and fitment reference only. AutoFactsDB is an independent catalog and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer displayed on this page.