what could cause my Ford Explorer to shake when I accelerate

Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

406 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 ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath.
•Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components related to the drivetrain.

Symptoms

•Shaking or vibrating felt through the steering wheel or entire vehicle during acceleration
•Noise from the drivetrain or suspension components
•Uneven tire wear
•Vehicle pulls to one side when accelerating
•Steering wheel misalignment

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tires for proper inflation and signs of damage or uneven wear.
2
Check wheel alignment and balance.
3
Inspect suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms) for wear or damage.
4
Examine the drivetrain, including driveshaft, U-joints, and CV joints for play or damage.
5
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored trouble codes related to the engine or transmission.

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 and jack stands
•Wheel alignment machine
•Tire balancer
•Socket set
•Torque wrench

Parts Required

•New tires (if needed)
•Suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms) as necessary
•Wheel alignment adjustments or parts (if required)
•Driveshaft/U-joint or CV joint replacements (if needed)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tires for proper inflation and signs of damage or uneven wear.
2
Check wheel alignment and balance.
3
Inspect suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms) for wear or damage.
4
Examine the drivetrain, including driveshaft, U-joints, and CV joints for play or damage.
5
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored trouble codes related to the engine or transmission.

Solution

1. Tire Inspection and Replacement

Inspect each tire for inflation levels, tread wear, and damage.
If wear is uneven or tires are damaged, replace tires with new ones.
Ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

2. Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Use a wheel alignment machine to check the alignment settings.
Adjust the alignment to manufacturer specifications if misaligned.
Balance the wheels using a tire balancer to eliminate vibrations.

3. Suspension Component Inspection

Raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it on jack stands.
Inspect shocks and struts for leaks or damage; replace if necessary.
Check control arm bushings and ball joints for wear; replace if any play is detected.

4. Drivetrain Examination

Inspect the driveshaft for any signs of bending or damage.
Check U-joints for play; replace if any movement is detected.
Inspect CV joints for torn boots or excessive play; replace if damaged.

5. Test Drive

After completing repairs, take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure the shaking has been resolved.

Tools Required:

Tire pressure gauge
Jack and jack stands
Wheel alignment machine
Tire balancer
Socket set
Torque wrench

Parts Required:

New tires (if needed)
Suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms) as necessary
Wheel alignment adjustments or parts (if required)
Driveshaft/U-joint or CV joint replacements (if needed)

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

Always ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands before working underneath.
Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components related to the drivetrain.