how to fix suspension issues on Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

553 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix suspension issues on the 2020-present Ford Explorer. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath.
•Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from debris when working with suspension components.

Symptoms

•Clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps
•Uneven tire wear patterns
•Vehicle sways or leans excessively during turns
•Poor ride quality or excessive bouncing
•Warning lights related to suspension systems (if equipped with advanced features)

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the suspension visually for any obvious signs of wear or damage, such as leaking shocks or broken components.
2
Check tire pressure and inspect for uneven wear patterns that may indicate alignment issues.
3
Use a chassis ear or similar device to identify abnormal noises while driving.
4
Perform a bounce test on each corner of the vehicle to assess shock absorber performance.
5
Scan the vehicle's computer for any fault codes related to the suspension system.

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

•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•Jack and jack stands
•Bushing removal tool
•Wheel alignment tools

Parts Required

•Replacement struts or shocks
•Replacement bushings
•Sway bar links (if needed)

Related Faults

Share this solution

Comments

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the suspension visually for any obvious signs of wear or damage, such as leaking shocks or broken components.
2
Check tire pressure and inspect for uneven wear patterns that may indicate alignment issues.
3
Use a chassis ear or similar device to identify abnormal noises while driving.
4
Perform a bounce test on each corner of the vehicle to assess shock absorber performance.
5
Scan the vehicle's computer for any fault codes related to the suspension system.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather tools and parts needed for the repair.
Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake.
Disconnect the battery to ensure safety during electrical work.

2. Raise and Secure the Vehicle

Use a jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
Remove the wheels for easier access to suspension components.

3. Inspect and Replace Worn Components

Struts/Shocks Replacement
- Remove the upper mounting bolts of the struts/shocks.
- Detach the lower mounting bolts and carefully remove the strut/shock from the assembly.
- Install the new strut/shock by reversing the removal process, ensuring that bolts are torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications (usually around 35-45 ft-lbs for upper bolts, and 80-100 ft-lbs for lower bolts).
Bushings Replacement
- Remove any components obstructing access to the bushings (e.g., sway bar links).
- Use a bushing removal tool to extract the old bushings from their housings.
- Install new bushings using the bushing tool and ensure they are properly seated.

4. Alignment

After replacing components, perform a wheel alignment to ensure proper handling and tire wear.
Adjust camber, caster, and toe angles to manufacturer specifications.

5. Reassemble and Lower the Vehicle

Reattach the wheels and tighten lug nuts to the specified torque (typically 100-120 ft-lbs).
Carefully lower the vehicle and reconnect the battery.