my Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present) has a rough ride, what could be the issue?

Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

529 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix a rough ride in your Ford Explorer Sixth Generation. 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

•Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
•Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface to prevent rolling.

Symptoms

•Vibration felt in the steering wheel
•Excessive noise from the suspension while driving
•Difficulty maintaining vehicle control over bumps
•Uneven tire wear
•Vehicle tends to bounce excessively over rough surfaces

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire pressure and condition, looking for uneven wear or damage.
2
Examine suspension components for visible damage or wear, including shocks and struts.
3
Check wheel alignment to ensure it is within manufacturer specifications.
4
Test drive the vehicle over various road conditions to replicate the rough ride.
5
Use a diagnostic scanner to check for any suspension-related error codes.

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

•Tire pressure gauge
•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•Jack and jack stands
•Diagnostic scanner

Parts Required

•New tires (if needed)
•Replacement shocks/struts (if needed)
•Bushings or other suspension components (if needed)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire pressure and condition, looking for uneven wear or damage.
2
Examine suspension components for visible damage or wear, including shocks and struts.
3
Check wheel alignment to ensure it is within manufacturer specifications.
4
Test drive the vehicle over various road conditions to replicate the rough ride.
5
Use a diagnostic scanner to check for any suspension-related error codes.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Ensure the engine is off and the keys are removed.

2. Tire Inspection and Replacement

Check Tire Pressure:
- Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire's pressure.
- Inflate tires to the manufacturer-recommended PSI if low.
Inspect Tires:
- Examine tread depth using a tread gauge; replace tires if below safe limits.
- Look for signs of bulging, cracking, or other damage.
Replace Tires (if necessary):
- Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
- Remove wheel lug nuts using a socket wrench and take off the wheel.
- Install new tires, hand-tighten lug nuts, and lower the vehicle.
- Torque lug nuts to manufacturer specifications (usually around 100-120 lb-ft).

3. Suspension Inspection and Repair

Inspect Suspension Components:
- Check shocks and struts for leaks or physical damage.
- Look for worn bushings, ball joints, and control arms.
Replace Shocks/Struts (if necessary):
- Remove the tire to access the suspension assembly.
- Unbolt the top and bottom mounts of the shock/strut.
- Install the new shock/strut, ensuring it’s properly aligned.
- Reassemble the tire and torque lug nuts to specifications.

4. Wheel Alignment

Adjust Wheel Alignment:
- After replacing tires and/or suspension components, take the vehicle to a professional alignment shop.
- Ensure that the alignment is set to manufacturer specifications to prevent uneven tire wear and improve ride quality.