what causes my Ford Explorer's steering wheel to shake while driving?

Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

high

Severity

4 min read

607 words

⚠️ Safety Warning

This issue requires immediate attention. If you are not experienced with automotive repairs, consult a professional mechanic. Working on critical systems can be dangerous.

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix steering wheel shake in Ford Explorer. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Steering

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
•Allow the vehicle to cool before working on any components related to the brakes or suspension.

Symptoms

•Steering wheel vibrates at certain speeds
•Vehicle pulls to one side while driving
•Uneven tire wear
•Steering feels loose or imprecise
•Clunking or knocking sounds when turning

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire balance by visually checking for any weights missing or misaligned.
2
Check tire pressure to ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels.
3
Perform a visual inspection of the tires for any signs of damage, such as bulges or uneven wear.
4
Examine the suspension components, including control arms and bushings, for signs of wear or damage.
5
Inspect the wheel bearings for excessive play or noise.
6
Check the alignment of the front wheels using a professional alignment tool.

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
•Lug wrench
•Torque wrench
•Tire pressure gauge
•Tire balancing machine
•Wheel alignment tools

Parts Required

•Wheel weights (if needed)
•Replacement suspension components (if damaged)
•Wheel bearings (if worn)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire balance by visually checking for any weights missing or misaligned.
2
Check tire pressure to ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels.
3
Perform a visual inspection of the tires for any signs of damage, such as bulges or uneven wear.
4
Examine the suspension components, including control arms and bushings, for signs of wear or damage.
5
Inspect the wheel bearings for excessive play or noise.
6
Check the alignment of the front wheels using a professional alignment tool.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather tools: jack, jack stands, lug wrench, torque wrench, tire pressure gauge, and alignment tools.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is off.

2. Tire Balancing

Sub-step 1: Remove the wheel using the lug wrench, loosening the lug nuts in a star pattern.
Sub-step 2: Mount the wheel on a tire balancing machine to check for imbalance.
Sub-step 3: Add or adjust wheel weights as needed based on the machine's readings.
Sub-step 4: Reinstall the wheel and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

3. Tire Pressure Adjustment

Sub-step 1: Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire.
Sub-step 2: Inflate or deflate tires to match the recommended psi listed in the owner’s manual.
Sub-step 3: Inspect the tires visually for any leaks or damage.

4. Suspension Component Inspection

Sub-step 1: Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
Sub-step 2: Visually inspect control arms, bushings, and struts for wear, cracks, or looseness.
Sub-step 3: Replace any damaged components with OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts.

5. Wheel Bearing Inspection

Sub-step 1: Spin the wheel by hand to check for smoothness; listen for any grinding noises.
Sub-step 2: If noise or roughness is detected, remove the wheel and inspect the bearings for wear.
Sub-step 3: Replace the wheel bearings if they are found to be faulty.

6. Wheel Alignment

Sub-step 1: Use an alignment tool to measure the alignment angles of the front wheels.
Sub-step 2: Adjust camber, caster, and toe angles as necessary to meet manufacturer specifications.
Sub-step 3: Test drive the vehicle to confirm alignment adjustments.