why does my Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019) vibrate at highway speeds

Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

531 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix vibrations at highway speeds in Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (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 use jack stands when working under the vehicle.
•Ensure the vehicle is in park and the parking brake is engaged before starting repairs.

Symptoms

•Vibration felt through the steering wheel or seat
•Increased noise at high speeds
•Steering wheel shaking
•Uneven tire wear
•Vehicle pulling to one side

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure, ensuring they are inflated to manufacturer's specifications.
2
Perform a visual inspection of the wheels for bending or damage.
3
Check for proper wheel alignment and balance using a wheel alignment tool.
4
Inspect suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms) for wear or damage.
5
Test drive the vehicle at various speeds to confirm vibration presence and identify any changes.
6
Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to check for potential drivetrain issues.

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
•Tire iron
•Torque wrench
•Wheel balancing machine
•Alignment tools
•OBD-II scanner

Parts Required

•Replacement tires (if necessary)
•Balancing weights (if wheels are unbalanced)
•Suspension components (if damaged)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure, ensuring they are inflated to manufacturer's specifications.
2
Perform a visual inspection of the wheels for bending or damage.
3
Check for proper wheel alignment and balance using a wheel alignment tool.
4
Inspect suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms) for wear or damage.
5
Test drive the vehicle at various speeds to confirm vibration presence and identify any changes.
6
Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to check for potential drivetrain issues.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather tools and materials: jack, jack stands, tire iron, torque wrench, balance weights, alignment tools, and OBD-II scanner.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is off.

2. Tire Inspection and Repair

Check Tire Pressure:
- Use a tire pressure gauge to check all four tires.
- Inflate tires to the recommended pressure (usually found on the driver's side door jamb).
Examine Tire Condition:
- Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven tread wear.
- Replace any damaged tires.
Wheel Balancing:
- Remove the wheel using a tire iron.
- Mount the wheel on a balancing machine to determine any imbalance.
- Add balancing weights as needed and reinstall the wheel, ensuring to torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications (typically around 100-120 lb-ft).

3. Wheel Alignment

Perform Wheel Alignment:
- Use alignment tools to measure camber, caster, and toe settings.
- Adjust as necessary to meet manufacturer specifications.
- Recheck alignment after adjustments.

4. Suspension Inspection and Repair

Inspect Suspension Components:
- Check for any signs of wear or damage on shocks, struts, and control arms.
- Replace any worn or damaged parts.
Test Drive:
- After repairs, take the vehicle for a test drive to check if the vibrations have been resolved.