my Ford Explorer makes a thumping sound over bumps what should I do

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather all necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Wear safety gloves and goggles.

2. Inspect and Replace Shock Absorbers

• Sub-steps:
  1. Lift the vehicle using a hydraulic jack and secure it with jack stands.
  2. Remove the wheel to access the suspension components.
  3. Inspect the shock absorber for any leaks or physical damage.
  4. If damaged, unbolt the shock absorber from the top and bottom mounts using a socket set.
  5. Install the new shock absorber by reversing the removal steps and torque bolts to manufacturer specifications (typically around 30-40 ft-lbs).

3. Inspect Control Arms and Bushings

• Sub-steps:
  1. Check the control arms for cracks or excessive play.
  2. If bushings are worn out, remove the control arm from the vehicle by unbolting it from the frame and ball joint.
  3. Replace any worn bushings with new ones, ensuring proper alignment during installation.
  4. Reattach the control arm and torque bolts to specifications.

4. Testing

• Sub-steps:
  1. Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
  2. Take the vehicle for a test drive over bumps to confirm the noise has been resolved.