why does my Ford F-150 13th Generation (2015-2020) have a rough ride

Ford F-150 13th Generation (2015-2020)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

550 words

Problem Statement

Discover how to diagnose and fix a rough ride in your Ford F-150 13th Generation (2015-2020). 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 engage the parking brake and use jack stands when lifting the vehicle.
•Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components.

Symptoms

•Noticeable vibrations felt through the steering wheel and seat
•Increased noise levels while driving
•Difficulty maintaining smooth handling, especially on uneven surfaces
•Uneven tire wear observed on the tires
•Check for any warning lights on the dashboard related to suspension or tire pressure

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition for any signs of damage or uneven wear.
2
Check tire pressure to ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's specifications.
3
Examine the suspension components visually, looking for damaged or worn-out parts such as shocks, struts, or bushings.
4
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on the front and rear of the vehicle to assess shock absorber function.
5
Test drive the vehicle on various road surfaces to confirm the rough ride issue and note any changes in handling.
6
Scan the vehicle’s onboard computer for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the suspension system.

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
•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•OBD-II scanner

Parts Required

•Replacement tires (if necessary)
•Replacement shocks/struts (if necessary)
•Suspension bushings (if worn or damaged)

Related Faults

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Symptoms

•Noticeable vibrations felt through the steering wheel and seat

•Increased noise levels while driving

•Difficulty maintaining smooth handling, especially on uneven surfaces

•Uneven tire wear observed on the tires

•Check for any warning lights on the dashboard related to suspension or tire pressure

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect tire condition for any signs of damage or uneven wear.
2
Check tire pressure to ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer's specifications.
3
Examine the suspension components visually, looking for damaged or worn-out parts such as shocks, struts, or bushings.
4
Perform a bounce test by pushing down on the front and rear of the vehicle to assess shock absorber function.
5
Test drive the vehicle on various road surfaces to confirm the rough ride issue and note any changes in handling.
6
Scan the vehicle’s onboard computer for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the suspension system.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and parts.
Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is off.
Wear safety glasses and gloves.

2. Tire Inspection and Replacement

Sub-steps:
1. Remove the wheel covers or hubcaps if applicable.
2. Loosen the lug nuts slightly using a lug wrench without removing them completely.
3. Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
4. Remove the lug nuts and take off the tires.
5. Inspect each tire for bulges, cuts, or uneven wear. Replace if necessary.
6. Reinstall the tires and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s torque specifications (typically 100-150 ft-lbs).

3. Suspension Component Inspection and Replacement

Sub-steps:
1. Visually inspect shocks and struts for signs of leaking fluid.
2. Check for any broken or worn bushings on suspension components.
3. If any suspension parts are damaged, remove the affected component using a socket set and replace with new parts.
4. Reassemble the suspension and ensure all fasteners are torqued to specifications.
5. Align the suspension if necessary, following manufacturer guidelines.

4. Wheel Alignment

Sub-steps:
1. After replacing any components, take the vehicle to a professional alignment shop.
2. Ensure that the alignment is adjusted according to the manufacturer’s specifications.