2004 Ford Explorer noise

DAS277

MEMBER
2004 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
39,000 MILES

Hi guys,
I would like to know three things for this car. First, does this car come with shocks or struts and how long is the average live time of what ever the oem for this car is. Next, I think the car comes with struts and and strut caps. How long do strut caps last because I have had cars be for with them and I'm hearing the same sound with the explorer as on other cars that had bad caps. Last, I have squeaky sounds when I go over humps like speed bumps or when the car rocks. Could the springs be making this sound and is it common for this car or what could be making this sound. Every thing has been lubed that can be I believe.

2 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

For all practical purposes, you have struts front and rear. Life expectancy isn't posted and depends greatly on road conditions the vehicle is driven on.
You don't have strut caps persay like a front wheel drive vehicle where the top side of the strut pivots with the steering. Your vehicle has upper and lower "ball" joints that pivot with steering.
There is very little on the suspension system of your explorer that is lubeable. Most of it is factory sealed. The squeaking you are hearing is probably from the bushings. Often times, a good shot of WD-40 occasionally on the bushings will help quiet them down.