why does my Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019) shake when turning?

Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

4 min read

613 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix shaking issues when turning 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 use jack stands when the vehicle is lifted to prevent accidental falls.
•Allow the vehicle to cool down before inspecting components near the engine or exhaust.

Symptoms

•Vibration felt in the steering wheel during turns
•Vehicle pulls to one side when turning
•Increased noise from the suspension or tires when turning
•Uneven tire wear observed
•Steering wheel misalignment or play

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition for uneven wear or damage.
2
Check tire pressure to ensure it is within manufacturer specifications.
3
Examine the suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, control arms) for wear or damage.
4
Test the wheel bearings for excessive play or noise.
5
Perform a visual inspection of the driveshaft and CV joints for signs of damage or wear.
6
Check alignment settings using an alignment machine.

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 and jack stands
•Tire iron
•Torque wrench
•Socket set
•Ball joint separator
•Bearing puller (if necessary)
•Alignment machine

Parts Required

•New tires (if necessary)
•Suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, etc. if worn)
•Wheel bearings (if damaged)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition for uneven wear or damage.
2
Check tire pressure to ensure it is within manufacturer specifications.
3
Examine the suspension components (ball joints, tie rods, control arms) for wear or damage.
4
Test the wheel bearings for excessive play or noise.
5
Perform a visual inspection of the driveshaft and CV joints for signs of damage or wear.
6
Check alignment settings using an alignment machine.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and the parking brake is engaged.
Wear safety gloves and goggles.

2. Inspect and Replace Tires (if necessary)

Tools Required: Jack and jack stands, tire iron, torque wrench.
Sub-steps:
1. Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
2. Remove the wheels using the tire iron.
3. Inspect each tire for uneven wear, bulges, or punctures.
4. If tires need replacement, install new tires following the manufacturer’s specifications for size and type.
5. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications (typically 100-120 ft-lbs).

3. Inspect and Replace Suspension Components (if necessary)

Tools Required: Socket set, torque wrench, ball joint separator, pry bar.
Sub-steps:
1. Check the ball joints, tie rods, and control arms for wear or damage.
2. If any components are found to be defective, remove the damaged part. For example:
  - Use a ball joint separator to remove the ball joint.
  - Remove tie rods using a socket.
3. Install new parts by reversing the removal steps and ensuring all bolts are torqued to specifications.

4. Check Wheel Bearings

Tools Required: Socket set, bearing puller (if necessary).
Sub-steps:
1. Lift the vehicle and remove the wheel assembly.
2. Inspect the wheel bearings for play and noise. Spin the bearing to check for smooth operation.
3. If bearings are worn, remove them using a bearing puller and replace with new bearings.
4. Reassemble the wheel assembly and torque to specifications.

5. Alignment

Tools Required: Alignment machine (recommended).
Sub-steps:
1. After any replacements, take the vehicle to an alignment shop.
2. Perform a four-wheel alignment to ensure proper tracking and prevent future issues.