what causes my Ford Explorer to shake when I accelerate

Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

522 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix shaking during acceleration 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 use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
•Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components.

Symptoms

•Shaking or vibrating felt in the steering wheel or chassis during acceleration
•Increased noise from the engine or drivetrain
•Possible loss of power or hesitation while accelerating
•Uneven tire wear or vibrations felt in the seats
•Warning lights illuminated on the dashboard (e.g., check engine light)

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tires for proper inflation and uneven wear patterns.
2
Check for any visible damage to wheels or suspension components.
3
Scan the vehicle’s computer for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using an OBD-II scanner.
4
Perform a visual inspection of the driveshaft and CV joints for wear or damage.
5
Test drive the vehicle to confirm when vibrations occur and under what conditions.
6
Check engine and transmission mounts for signs of wear or damage.

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

•Floor jack
•Jack stands
•Lug wrench
•OBD-II scanner
•Torque wrench

Parts Required

•Replacement tires (if damaged)
•CV joints (if worn)
•Engine and transmission mounts (if damaged)

Related Faults

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Symptoms

•Shaking or vibrating felt in the steering wheel or chassis during acceleration

•Increased noise from the engine or drivetrain

•Possible loss of power or hesitation while accelerating

•Uneven tire wear or vibrations felt in the seats

•Warning lights illuminated on the dashboard (e.g., check engine light)

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tires for proper inflation and uneven wear patterns.
2
Check for any visible damage to wheels or suspension components.
3
Scan the vehicle’s computer for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using an OBD-II scanner.
4
Perform a visual inspection of the driveshaft and CV joints for wear or damage.
5
Test drive the vehicle to confirm when vibrations occur and under what conditions.
6
Check engine and transmission mounts for signs of wear or damage.

Solution

1. Preparation

Tools Required: Floor jack, jack stands, lug wrench, OBD-II scanner, torque wrench.
Safely park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Disconnect the battery if working on electrical components.

2. Tire Inspection and Replacement

Sub-steps:
1. Use a lug wrench to remove the wheel lugs and take off the affected tire.
2. Inspect the tire for any bulges, cracks, or uneven wear.
3. If damage is present, replace the tire with a new one of matching specifications.
4. Reinstall the tire and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.

3. Drivetrain Component Inspection

Sub-steps:
1. Inspect the driveshaft for any signs of damage or imbalance.
2. Check CV joints for any tearing or loss of grease; replace if necessary.
3. If any components are worn, replace them with OEM parts.

4. Engine and Transmission Mounts Replacement

Sub-steps:
1. Identify the engine and transmission mounts.
2. Use a floor jack to support the engine slightly.
3. Remove the bolts securing the mounts using the appropriate socket.
4. Replace with new mounts, ensuring correct alignment.
5. Torque bolts to manufacturer specifications.

5. Reassemble and Test

Sub-steps:
1. Reconnect the battery if previously disconnected.
2. Lower the vehicle from jack stands.
3. Test drive the vehicle to ensure that the shaking during acceleration has been resolved.