my Ford Explorer vibrates when I drive at 60 mph, what could be causing this?

Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

539 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix vibrations in your Ford Explorer at 60 mph. 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 before working on any electrical components.
•Allow the engine to cool before performing any work on the vehicle.

Symptoms

•Vibrations felt through the steering wheel and/or seat
•Possible steering wheel shake
•Unusual noise accompanying the vibrations
•Increased wear on tires
•Decreased fuel efficiency

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect wheel and tire condition for signs of wear, imbalance, or damage.
2
Check tire pressure on all four tires to ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer's specifications.
3
Perform a visual inspection of suspension components for wear or damage.
4
Inspect wheel alignment settings and confirm they are within specifications.
5
Test drive the vehicle at various speeds to determine if vibrations occur consistently or only at 60 mph.
6
Check for any loose or damaged drivetrain components, including axles and driveshaft.

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
•Tire pressure gauge
•Torque wrench
•Basic hand tools (socket set, wrenches)

Parts Required

•Tires (if any are found to be damaged or excessively worn)
•Suspension components (if any are worn)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect wheel and tire condition for signs of wear, imbalance, or damage.
2
Check tire pressure on all four tires to ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer's specifications.
3
Perform a visual inspection of suspension components for wear or damage.
4
Inspect wheel alignment settings and confirm they are within specifications.
5
Test drive the vehicle at various speeds to determine if vibrations occur consistently or only at 60 mph.
6
Check for any loose or damaged drivetrain components, including axles and driveshaft.

Solution

1. Preparation

Tools Required: Jack, jack stands, tire pressure gauge, torque wrench, wheel chocks, basic hand tools (socket set, wrenches).
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.

2. Inspect and Replace Tires

Check Tire Condition:
- Inspect each tire for uneven wear, bulges, or foreign objects.
- Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure all tires are inflated correctly.
Replace Tires if Necessary:
- If any tires are worn or damaged, replace them with new tires of the same size and rating.

3. Wheel Balancing

Remove Wheels:
- Loosen lug nuts slightly, raise the vehicle with a jack, and remove the wheels.
Balance Wheels:
- Take the wheels to a tire shop to have them balanced. Ensure that the balancing weights are properly applied.

4. Alignment Check

Check Alignment:
- After balancing, check the wheel alignment using an alignment tool or take the vehicle to a shop for a professional alignment.
Adjust Alignment:
- If the alignment is off, adjust the camber, caster, and toe settings as per manufacturer specifications.

5. Inspect Suspension and Drivetrain

Visual Inspection:
- Check all suspension components (control arms, bushings, shocks/struts) for wear or damage.
Replace Components if Needed:
- Replace any worn suspension parts, ensuring they are torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.