There is a strong possibility that SOMETHING is connected wrong or shorted to ground. If I remember right there is a harness under the seat that gets chaffed, and causes the short. Not to say this is the case for sure. But a spot to check.
Just had Rack and pinion replaced on my 1999 Explorer, it cost $450 which included parts and labor.
In the power distribution box in your engine compartment of your 1997 Ford Explorer there is a 30 amp maxi-fuse in location # 10 , for your power seat(s) , power windows and power locks . Ford recommends disconnecting the battery before servicing anything in the PD BOX , which would mean that your Explorer would have to relearn its idle , the clock would need to be reset etc.
cause you might not of put tighten the tire when you replaced it . or your rim is bent, did you hit a curb?
poor battery cable connection
I'm not a mechanic / technician but from what I have read there are ( 3 ) different engine blocks for the Ford 4.0 liter Over Head Valve , V6 engine ( 1991 to 1994 Ford Explorer ) ( 1995 and 1996 Ford Explorer ) ( 1997 to 2000 Ford Explorer ) * so I would say the answer is ( no )
Coincidence. This would not cause the P/S to fail. The 2 problems are not related.
I Don't know whether you mean an Explorer XL or Ranger XL, but either would have power steering.
Power windows have circuit breakers. It is a rare case that one would go bad.
It could be anything from the engine to the connectors
The wire from the battery to solenoid is corroded & should be replaced.
Common problem, easy solution, three possibilities only. Either, the power steering fluid is low or one of the belts at the engine need to be replaced or the power steering pump is worn and needs to be replaced. Check to see how much fluid is in the power steering pump, if full then replace every belt on the engine, if the sound goes away then you are done, if not replace the power steering pump.
Defective alternator.