why does my Ford Explorer shake when I accelerate

Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

528 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 disconnect the battery when working on electrical components.
•Ensure the vehicle is securely lifted and supported before working underneath.

Symptoms

•Shaking or vibrating felt through the steering wheel
•Vibrations in the seat or floorboard
•Increased noise at higher speeds
•Poor acceleration or hesitation
•Steering wheel misalignment or pulling to one side

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure, looking for uneven wear or damage.
2
Check wheel balance; perform a balancing test on all four wheels.
3
Examine the drive shafts for any signs of damage or wear.
4
Inspect the engine mounts for deterioration or failure.
5
Test the suspension components for wear or damage.
6
Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) using an OBD-II scanner.

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

•OBD-II scanner
•Tire pressure gauge
•Jack and jack stands
•Torque wrench
•Socket set

Parts Required

•Tires (if damaged)
•Drive shaft (if damaged)
•Engine mounts (if worn)
•Suspension components (if needed)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure, looking for uneven wear or damage.
2
Check wheel balance; perform a balancing test on all four wheels.
3
Examine the drive shafts for any signs of damage or wear.
4
Inspect the engine mounts for deterioration or failure.
5
Test the suspension components for wear or damage.
6
Scan for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) using an OBD-II scanner.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather tools and parts required.
Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels for safety.

2. Tire Inspection and Balancing

Remove wheel covers or hubcaps if necessary.
Use a tire pressure gauge to check and adjust tire pressures to manufacturer specifications.
Inspect tires for uneven wear, bulges, or foreign objects.
If tires are damaged, replace them.
If tires are in good condition, take the vehicle to a shop to balance them.

3. Drive Shaft Inspection

Raise the vehicle using a hydraulic lift or jack stands.
Inspect the drive shafts for any visible signs of damage or excessive play.
If damaged, replace the drive shaft with a new or remanufactured unit.
Ensure all bolts are torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications.

4. Engine Mount Replacement

Locate the engine mounts; typically found at the front and rear of the engine.
Use a jack to slightly lift the engine for clearance.
Remove the bolts securing the engine mount to the frame and engine.
Replace any worn or damaged engine mounts with new ones.
Torque the mounting bolts to the specifications provided in the service manual.

5. Suspension Component Inspection

Inspect suspension components such as control arms, bushings, and ball joints visually and for play.
Replace any worn components as needed.
Ensure all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.