why does my Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019) shake when I accelerate

Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

533 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix shaking during acceleration in Ford Explorer (2011-2019). 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 if working on electrical components.

Symptoms

•Shaking or vibrating felt through the steering wheel or the seat when accelerating
•Increased noise from the engine or transmission during acceleration
•Vehicle pulling to one side while accelerating
•Unusual tire wear patterns
•Check engine light may be illuminated (if related to engine or transmission performance)

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the tires for proper inflation and signs of uneven wear.
2
Check for loose or damaged suspension components, including control arms and bushings.
3
Perform a visual inspection of the driveshaft and CV joints for any signs of damage or wear.
4
Scan for OBD-II error codes to identify any underlying engine or transmission issues.
5
Verify wheel alignment and balance.
6
Test drive the vehicle to replicate the shaking and determine its onset and severity.

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
•Jack
•Jack stands
•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•Tire pressure gauge
•Wheel balancer

Parts Required

•Tires (if worn)
•Control arms or bushings (if damaged)
•CV joints or driveshaft components (if worn)

Related Faults

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Symptoms

•Shaking or vibrating felt through the steering wheel or the seat when accelerating

•Increased noise from the engine or transmission during acceleration

•Vehicle pulling to one side while accelerating

•Unusual tire wear patterns

•Check engine light may be illuminated (if related to engine or transmission performance)

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the tires for proper inflation and signs of uneven wear.
2
Check for loose or damaged suspension components, including control arms and bushings.
3
Perform a visual inspection of the driveshaft and CV joints for any signs of damage or wear.
4
Scan for OBD-II error codes to identify any underlying engine or transmission issues.
5
Verify wheel alignment and balance.
6
Test drive the vehicle to replicate the shaking and determine its onset and severity.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather tools: jack, jack stands, socket set, torque wrench, OBD-II scanner, tire pressure gauge, and a wheel balancer.
Ensure the vehicle is on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake.

2. Tire Inspection and Maintenance

Sub-steps:
- Check tire pressure and adjust to manufacturer specifications.
- Inspect tires for uneven wear; replace if necessary.
- Rotate tires if uneven wear is detected to promote even tire wear.

3. Suspension Component Inspection

Sub-steps:
- Lift the vehicle using a jack and securely place it on jack stands.
- Visually inspect control arms, bushings, and shocks for wear or damage.
- Replace any damaged components with OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts, ensuring to torque to manufacturer specifications.

4. Driveshaft and CV Joint Inspection

Sub-steps:
- Check the driveshaft for any visible signs of damage or imbalance.
- Inspect CV joints for cracks or leaks in the rubber boots.
- Replace any faulty components as needed, ensuring appropriate lubrication and torque specifications.

5. Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Sub-steps:
- If wheel alignment is off, take the vehicle to a professional alignment shop.
- Balance the wheels using a wheel balancer to ensure no vibrations occur from unbalanced tires.