why does my Ford Explorer shake when I drive at high speeds

Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

470 words

Problem Statement

Discover how to diagnose and fix shaking issues in your Ford Explorer at high speeds. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic steps and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
•Ensure the vehicle is securely parked before beginning any inspection or repair work.

Symptoms

•Vehicle shakes or vibrates significantly at speeds above 60 mph
•Steering wheel vibrates while driving
•Uneven tire wear observed
•Possible noise from the tires or suspension components
•Decreased handling stability

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure for uneven wear or low inflation.
2
Check wheel balance using a dynamic balancer.
3
Examine suspension components for wear or damage (e.g., bushings, ball joints).
4
Inspect alignment settings and perform a wheel alignment if necessary.
5
Scan for any trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner to check for related issues.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

✓Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
✓Check for any error codes or warning lights
✓Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

•Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
•Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
•Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
•Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

•Jack
•Jack stands
•Tire pressure gauge
•OBD-II scanner
•Torque wrench
•Wheel balancer

Parts Required

•Tires (if damaged)
•Suspension components (if worn)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure for uneven wear or low inflation.
2
Check wheel balance using a dynamic balancer.
3
Examine suspension components for wear or damage (e.g., bushings, ball joints).
4
Inspect alignment settings and perform a wheel alignment if necessary.
5
Scan for any trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner to check for related issues.

Solution

1. Preparation

Tools Required: Jack, jack stands, tire pressure gauge, OBD-II scanner, torque wrench, wheel balancer.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
Turn off the engine and set the parking brake.

2. Inspect and Inflate Tires

Sub-steps:
1. Remove the hubcaps if applicable.
2. Check tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge; inflate to the manufacturer's recommended PSI.
3. Inspect tires for signs of uneven wear or damage; replace if necessary.

3. Balance Wheels

Sub-steps:
1. Remove the wheels from the vehicle.
2. Place each wheel on a dynamic balancer and check for imbalance.
3. Add wheel weights as necessary to achieve balance.
4. Reinstall the balanced wheels on the vehicle, ensuring proper torque settings.

4. Inspect and Replace Suspension Components

Sub-steps:
1. Visually inspect all suspension components (control arms, struts, bushings) for wear or damage.
2. Replace any worn or damaged parts following manufacturer specifications.
3. Ensure all fasteners are tightened to the specified torque values.

5. Perform Wheel Alignment

Sub-steps:
1. Use an alignment tool to measure the alignment angles of the wheels.
2. Adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles to manufacturer specifications.
3. Test drive the vehicle to ensure alignment is correct.