why does my Ford Explorer shake at high speeds

Ford Explorer Sixth Generation (2020-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

461 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix shaking issues in your Ford Explorer at high speeds. 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 a vehicle.
•Ensure the vehicle is on a stable surface to prevent rolling.

Symptoms

•Steering wheel shakes or vibrates noticeably
•Vehicle feels unstable or wobbly at high speeds
•Uneven tire wear or bulges on tires
•Excessive road noise or vibration felt in the cabin
•Check tire pressure light illuminated (if applicable)

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition for uneven wear, bulges, or damage.
2
Check tire pressure and ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended PSI.
3
Perform a visual inspection of the wheel rims for bends or cracks.
4
Examine suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms) for wear or damage.
5
Balance the tires using a tire balancer to check for imbalances.
6
Perform an alignment check to ensure proper wheel alignment.

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 iron
•Jack and jack stands
•Tire balancer
•Torque wrench
•Alignment tools

Parts Required

•Replacement tires (if necessary)
•Balancing weights (if balancing tires)
•Suspension components (if worn)

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition for uneven wear, bulges, or damage.
2
Check tire pressure and ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended PSI.
3
Perform a visual inspection of the wheel rims for bends or cracks.
4
Examine suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms) for wear or damage.
5
Balance the tires using a tire balancer to check for imbalances.
6
Perform an alignment check to ensure proper wheel alignment.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Ensure vehicle is parked on a flat, stable surface.
Wear safety gloves and goggles.

2. Tire Inspection and Replacement (if necessary)

Inspect Tires
- Remove hubcaps (if applicable) using a flathead screwdriver.
- Check each tire for uneven wear, bulges, or visible damage.
Replace Tires
- If any tires are damaged or excessively worn, replace them.
- Use a tire iron to loosen lug nuts and jack the vehicle up.
- Replace the tire with the new one, hand-tighten the lug nuts, and lower the vehicle.

3. Wheel Balancing

Remove Tires
- Remove the tires from the vehicle using a tire iron.
Balance Tires
- Mount tires on a tire balancer.
- Add balancing weights as needed to correct any imbalances.
Reinstall Tires
- Reinstall the balanced tires on the vehicle, hand-tighten the lug nuts.

4. Suspension Inspection and Repair (if necessary)

Inspect Suspension Components
- Visually check shocks, struts, and control arms for signs of wear or leaks.
Replace Worn Components
- If any components are damaged, replace them according to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the recommended torque values.

5. Wheel Alignment

Perform Wheel Alignment
- Take the vehicle to a professional alignment shop or use an alignment tool if available.
- Adjust the camber, caster, and toe settings as per factory specifications.

Tools Required:

Tire iron
Jack and jack stands
Tire balancer
Torque wrench
Alignment tools (if performing alignment)

Parts Required:

Replacement tires (if necessary)
Balancing weights (if balancing tires)
Suspension components (if worn)

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
Ensure the vehicle is on a stable surface to prevent rolling.