why does my Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019) vibrate at high speeds

Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

560 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix vibrations at high speeds in Ford Explorer (2011-2019). 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 secure the vehicle with jack stands before working underneath.
•Allow the vehicle to cool down before inspecting brakes or other hot components.

Symptoms

•Vibrations felt in the steering wheel or through the vehicle body at speeds above 50 mph
•Uneven tire wear noticeable on visual inspection
•Steering wheel may shake or wobble
•Poor handling or instability when driving at high speeds
•Noise may accompany vibrations, such as a humming or grinding sound

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire pressure and adjust to manufacturer specifications.
2
Check for visible signs of tire damage such as bulges, flat spots, or uneven wear.
3
Perform a wheel balance check to ensure proper weight distribution.
4
Inspect wheel bearings for play or excessive wear by lifting the vehicle and manually rotating the wheel.
5
Examine suspension components, including control arms, bushings, and shocks for wear or damage.
6
Check for proper alignment using an alignment tool or by taking it to a professional service.

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

•Lug wrench
•Jack and jack stands
•Tire pressure gauge
•Wheel balancing machine
•Alignment tools

Parts Required

•New tires
•Replacement suspension components

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Symptoms

•Vibrations felt in the steering wheel or through the vehicle body at speeds above 50 mph

•Uneven tire wear noticeable on visual inspection

•Steering wheel may shake or wobble

•Poor handling or instability when driving at high speeds

•Noise may accompany vibrations, such as a humming or grinding sound

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire pressure and adjust to manufacturer specifications.
2
Check for visible signs of tire damage such as bulges, flat spots, or uneven wear.
3
Perform a wheel balance check to ensure proper weight distribution.
4
Inspect wheel bearings for play or excessive wear by lifting the vehicle and manually rotating the wheel.
5
Examine suspension components, including control arms, bushings, and shocks for wear or damage.
6
Check for proper alignment using an alignment tool or by taking it to a professional service.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
Ensure safety by wearing gloves and safety glasses.

2. Tire Inspection and Replacement (if necessary)

Sub-step 1: Remove the wheel covers or hubcaps if applicable.
Sub-step 2: Loosen lug nuts slightly with a lug wrench but do not fully remove them.
Sub-step 3: Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
Sub-step 4: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to inspect for damage.
Sub-step 5: If tires are damaged or excessively worn, replace them with new tires, ensuring they are of the correct size and type.

3. Wheel Balancing

Sub-step 1: Take the wheels to a tire shop for professional balancing, or use a wheel balancing machine if available.
Sub-step 2: Install balancing weights on the rim as needed to achieve a balanced wheel.

4. Suspension Component Replacement (if necessary)

Sub-step 1: Inspect suspension components for wear; replace any damaged parts such as control arms, bushings, or shocks.
Sub-step 2: Follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications when reinstalling components.

5. Wheel Alignment

Sub-step 1: After all inspections and replacements, take the vehicle to a professional alignment shop.
Sub-step 2: Ensure proper alignment is achieved to avoid future vibrations and improve handling.

Tools Required:

Lug wrench
Jack and jack stands
Tire pressure gauge
Wheel balancing machine (if doing it yourself)
Alignment tools (if applicable)

Parts Required:

New tires (if needed)
Replacement suspension components (if needed)

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

Always secure the vehicle with jack stands before working underneath.
Allow the vehicle to cool down before inspecting brakes or other hot components.