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2000 Ford Explorer Floating and Swerving

Tiny
ZIROZOKSCOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 210,000 MILES
My wife was driving on the highway and the truck swerved to one side, and vibrated. I took it for a test drive and it seems to float as im driving in a residental street. Im thinking it is ball joints.
Friday, August 6th, 2010 AT 11:37 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
This could be a number of items in the system steering or suspension, regardless this is very dangerous, so I would get a qualified mechanic to inspect this as there is specific methods for checking wear in ball joints and tie rod ends, get this done ASASP.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 12:19 AM
Tiny
ZIROZOKSCOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks for the reply. Ya I think it is probably the tie rod ends and yes it is going to the mechanic first thing in the morning. One tie rod rotates with my hand and the other will not, is this a problem?
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 12:23 AM
Tiny
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If you rock the steering wheel and feel the free play, you will see and side motion in the tie rod end, it is a ball socket so you want on side free play or up&down free play, a little looseness as it rotates is not a problem.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 12:28 AM
Tiny
ZIROZOKSCOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Well im not sure. But when I was driving it and lightly rock the steering, the truck was sort of floating back and forth.
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 12:32 AM
Tiny
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Could well be a tie rod end, let me know what the mechanic report.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 12:34 AM
Tiny
ZIROZOKSCOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Ok thanks for your replies. I did have the ball joints done 5 months ago, so shouldnt be those. Will keep you posted.
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 12:36 AM
Tiny
ZIROZOKSCOTT
  • MEMBER
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I guess the mechanic said it is the left front Stabilizer kit. So getting that replaced and the front shocks The Stabilizer kits is just over 25$ plus hour labour. And will need an alignment.
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+1
Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

I would be more inclined to be thinking that if the shockers are faulty this will be the main concern, but getting all that done is a good idea and it should fix your problem.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
ZIROZOKSCOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Hey
Well it seems to have fixed the problem. I think it was probably time for some new shocks. Probably will need some new shocks on the back. That will come later.
Thanks again
Scott
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Saturday, August 7th, 2010 AT 9:28 PM

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