05 Explorer steering problem

[mklgns]

I have an 05 explorer that is having a steering/suspension problem. Recently it has started a "fishtail" effect when i turn my wheel to the left and left only. The whole truck feels loose and almost like it could flip if i had to turn too quickly to avoid and accident. I really feel it when i get up around 60 and it will wip back and forth through a curve at that speed. Its kinda scary to me to feel like i dont have much control of the truck at that speed.. Can anyone help me out? Thanks

Michael

 

[2003 Centennial]

I realize this is an old thread, but anyone have any luck figuring this out? I am having the same exact issue as above, except when turing to right at speed it feels like left rear end wants to kick out and around suddenly. No noises, just the sway when going around right hand turns at higher speeds. Car drives fine otherwise and no other symptoms or noises. Not an alignment issue as far as I can tell. Tires are good and tire pressures are good. I assume maybe start with the rear end by jacking it up and checking for play in wheels? If I find play, does that indicate wheel bearing, or also possibly something else like broken sway bar, sway links, toe links? Again, no other symptoms, just sudden sway to left at higher speeds and turning right when going around curves at higher speeds.

 

[LMHmedchem]

I would start by looking at the rear sway bar, sway bar bushings, and sway bar links. The function of this system is to prevent symptoms like what you are describing, though they tend to be less noticeable at lower speeds.

In an older truck you should check your bearings on a regular basis anyway. Jack up the rear, chalk, and jack stands. Before removing the tires, put the truck in neutral and spin the rear wheels checking for sounds. Also try to rock the wheel at the points of the compass. There should be no play in the wheel and it shouldn't make any sounds other then a faint scraping from the brake pads.

Try also to evaluate if your rear struts have any life in them. If they have gone soft it could cause instability issues. Everything in the rear suspension should be tight with no movement at the ball joints or toe link.

LMHmedchem

 

[2003 Centennial]

Thank you sir. I will do that soon. If I find anything or find the culprit/fix, then I'll try to report back. Happy New Year

 

[2003 Centennial]

Thank you sir. I will do that soon. If I find anything or find the culprit/fix, then I'll try to report back. Happy New Year

I mentioned that I would report back if I figured it out. Anyway, it was the driver side rear wheel bearing. Man, that thing was toast. As LMHmechem said, "In an older truck you should check your bearings on a regular basis anyway." Yeah, I'd say that is great advice for all of us here. Hopefully this thread is helpful to others. And I appreciate this site and the members.