why does my Ford Explorer shake at high speeds

Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

500 words

Problem Statement

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

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath.
•Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.

Symptoms

•Vibration felt through the steering wheel or seats at speeds above 50 mph
•Uneven tire wear
•Steering wheel misalignment or pulling to one side
•Noise coming from the wheels or suspension
•Increased driver fatigue during long drives

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure to ensure they are properly inflated and free of bulges or damage.
2
Check wheel balance using a wheel balancer to identify any imbalances.
3
Examine the alignment of the front wheels with an alignment tool.
4
Inspect suspension components such as tie rods, control arms, and bushings for wear or damage.
5
Test drive the vehicle to replicate the shaking and assess if it changes with acceleration or braking.

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
•Jack
•Jack stands
•Lug wrench
•Wheel balancer
•Alignment tool
•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•Pry bar

Parts Required

•Tire weights (if balancing is needed)
•Suspension components (if replacements are necessary)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure to ensure they are properly inflated and free of bulges or damage.
2
Check wheel balance using a wheel balancer to identify any imbalances.
3
Examine the alignment of the front wheels with an alignment tool.
4
Inspect suspension components such as tie rods, control arms, and bushings for wear or damage.
5
Test drive the vehicle to replicate the shaking and assess if it changes with acceleration or braking.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
Use wheel chocks to secure the vehicle.

2. Tire Inspection and Rotation

Tools Required: Tire pressure gauge, jack, jack stands, lug wrench.
Inspect each tire for wear, damage, and proper inflation.
If uneven wear is detected, rotate the tires as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

3. Wheel Balancing

Tools Required: Wheel balancer, weights.
Remove the wheels from the vehicle using the lug wrench.
Mount the wheels on the wheel balancer and spin to check for imbalances.
Attach weights as needed to balance the wheels and remount them.

4. Alignment Adjustment

Tools Required: Alignment tool, wrench set.
Check the alignment specifications for the Ford Explorer.
Adjust the tie rods and control arms as necessary to bring the wheels into alignment.

5. Suspension Component Inspection and Replacement

Tools Required: Socket set, torque wrench, pry bar.
Visually inspect suspension components for wear or damage.
If necessary, replace worn components like tie rods or bushings. Ensure to torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications.