Can I still drive my 2002 Ford Explorer with bad rack and pinion?

Can I still drive my 2002 Ford Explorer with bad rack and pinion? - 1

As far as I know, the rack and pinion is what turns the wheels. If it was just the pump, maybe, but it d be difficult as you d have no driver assist to make it easy. But since this is the mechanism that internally makes the wheels future, I d say no. You d be safer. And better off to replace it. It's not a difficult job. Just be sure to replace power steering fluid to keep new rack and pinion going strong!

Well, I don't know about 'driving' it, but at least you can 'aim' it someplace…

No. It is not safe to drive until it is repaired or most likely, replaced. While you might have power assist, the rack and pinion does all the work, and without it, it is unsafe to steer and as a result, unsafe to drive. Park it, tow it and get it fixed.

If you don't mind dying in a car crash when it finally snaps, sure

otherwise the common sense thing would be to NOT drive it until you have it fixed.