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

2 min read

396 words

Problem Statement

Discover how to diagnose and fix vibrations at highway speeds in Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures.

Affected Component

Suspension

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface before lifting.
•Always use jack stands when working under the vehicle.

Symptoms

•Vibrations felt in the steering wheel
•Thumping or shaking in the vehicle body
•Increased noise from the tires or drivetrain
•Uneven tire wear
•Potential loss of steering control

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure to ensure they are within manufacturer specifications.
2
Perform a visual inspection of wheel alignment and balance.
3
Check for any damaged or worn suspension components (e.g., control arms, bushings).
4
Examine driveshaft and axles for signs of wear or damage.
5
Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to identify potential electronic issues.
6
Test drive the vehicle to replicate the vibration and note specific conditions (speed, turns, etc.).

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
•Torque wrench
•OBD-II scanner
•Wheel balancer

Parts Required

•Tires (if replacement is needed)
•Suspension components (if worn or damaged)
•Wheel alignment parts (if adjustment is required)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition and pressure to ensure they are within manufacturer specifications.
2
Perform a visual inspection of wheel alignment and balance.
3
Check for any damaged or worn suspension components (e.g., control arms, bushings).
4
Examine driveshaft and axles for signs of wear or damage.
5
Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner to identify potential electronic issues.
6
Test drive the vehicle to replicate the vibration and note specific conditions (speed, turns, etc.).

Solution

1. Tire Inspection

Sub-steps:
1. Check tire pressure with a tire gauge and inflate to recommended levels if necessary.
2. Visually inspect tires for uneven wear, bulges, or other damage.
3. Rotate tires if uneven wear is detected.

2. Wheel Alignment and Balancing

Sub-steps:
1. Take the vehicle to a professional for wheel alignment if misalignment is suspected.
2. Have the wheels balanced by a certified technician to ensure even weight distribution.

3. Suspension Component Inspection

Sub-steps:
1. Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
2. Inspect control arms, bushings, and struts for wear or damage.
3. Replace any worn components with OEM parts, adhering to torque specifications.

4. Drivetrain Examination

Sub-steps:
1. Inspect the driveshaft for any signs of damage or imbalance.
2. Check CV joints and axles for wear; replace if necessary.
3. Ensure all bolts and fasteners are tightened to manufacturer specifications.

5. Test Drive

Sub-steps:
1. After completing repairs, test drive the vehicle at highway speeds.
2. Monitor for vibrations and check steering response.

Tools Required:

Tire pressure gauge
Jack and jack stands
Torque wrench
OBD-II scanner
Wheel balancer (if performing balancing)

Parts Required:

Tires (if replacement is needed)
Suspension components (if worn or damaged)
Wheel alignment parts (if adjustment is required)

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface before lifting.
Always use jack stands when working under the vehicle.