why does my Ford Explorer shake when I brake at high speeds

Ford Explorer Fifth Generation (2011-2019)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

high

Severity

3 min read

514 words

⚠️ Safety Warning

This issue requires immediate attention. If you are not experienced with automotive repairs, consult a professional mechanic. Working on critical systems can be dangerous.

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix brake shaking in Ford Explorer at high speeds. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Brakes

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.
•Allow the brake components to cool before handling to avoid burns.

Symptoms

•Steering wheel vibration during braking
•Vehicle pulling to one side while braking
•Brake pedal pulsation
•Increased stopping distance
•Uneven wear on brake pads or rotors

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect brake rotors for warping or damage using a runout gauge.
2
Check brake pads for uneven wear or contamination.
3
Examine suspension components for wear or damage, including control arms and bushings.
4
Inspect wheel alignment and tire balance.
5
Scan for any error codes related to the braking system using an OBD-II scanner.

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
•Lug wrench
•Torque wrench
•Runout gauge
•Brake cleaner
•OBD-II scanner

Parts Required

•Brake rotors (if warped)
•Brake pads

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect brake rotors for warping or damage using a runout gauge.
2
Check brake pads for uneven wear or contamination.
3
Examine suspension components for wear or damage, including control arms and bushings.
4
Inspect wheel alignment and tire balance.
5
Scan for any error codes related to the braking system using an OBD-II scanner.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface and secure it with wheel chocks.
Disconnect the battery to avoid electrical issues during the repair.

2. Remove Wheel and Inspect Brakes

Sub-steps:
1. Loosen lug nuts slightly while the vehicle is on the ground.
2. Raise the vehicle with a jack and secure it on jack stands.
3. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
4. Inspect brake rotors for signs of warping or scoring; use a runout gauge to measure any discrepancies.
5. Check brake pads for thickness and uneven wear.

3. Replace or Resurface Rotors

Sub-steps:
1. If warping is present, either replace the rotors or have them resurfaced.
2. If replacing, use a torque wrench to install new rotors to the manufacturer’s specified torque values.
3. Clean the new rotor surface with brake cleaner before installation.

4. Replace Brake Pads

Sub-steps:
1. Remove the caliper bolts and slide off the caliper.
2. Replace old pads with new ones, ensuring proper orientation and fit.
3. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications.

5. Reassemble and Test

Sub-steps:
1. Reattach the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
2. Lower the vehicle off the jack stands.
3. Fully torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
4. Reconnect the battery.
5. Test drive the vehicle to ensure the shaking has been resolved.