2004 Ford Explorer Front end shaking and shuttering

[Cody8416]

Much needed help. I have a 2004 ford explorer in which i changed the upper A arms and upper ball joints on both sides. When I turn from a dead stop or at very low speeds in either direction I get this terrible shaking or shuttering from the front end.It's kind of hard to explain. My Power steering fluid is black and has a odd smell to it. I am thinking it is the Rack and Pinion and or the tie rod ends .Any ideas would be very helpful. This is very annoying.

 

[pet575]

Do you have 4WD or AWD or just RWD?

 

[Cody8416]

Rwd

 

[Hbrichman]

Does your steering wheel shake at all when this happens?

I would check under your car for any broken coil springs in the front or rear, just to make sure. After, I suggest you take it to an alignment shop where they will check your suspension parts and the front steering. They will also check the alignment, steering rack bushings, inner & outer tie rods, and upper & lower ball joins. It's hard to say exactly what it could be without actually being there in person. Better safe and get it checked by a professional than sorry.

 

[Cody8416]

The coil springs are fine. and my steering wheel does not shake. I replaced the upper ball joints and A arms. The lower ball joints need to be replaced. My next move is an alignment though. I got smaller tires put on the car bc that's what I could afford. The shaking happened with the old tires and new tires. So Hopefully they can tell me something when i get it aligned.

 

[Cody8416]

Some guy told me he thinks it's the power steering pump, but it's not making the noise a power steering pump makes when it goes out. It's getting worse and worse. Only when you creep around corners at slow speeds does it make this the whole front end rattle. Sounds like the tires are rubbing on something. ANY HELP???

 

[pet575]

I can't give you much help other than to say I disagree with the power steering pump theory. I'd guess you have a busted suspension/steering part.

 

[swshawaii]

The lower ball joints need to be replaced.

Doubt it could be aligned to spec this way.

My next move is an alignment though.

Unless you want to pay twice, replace the LBJ's first.

 

[Cody8416]

You know I am thinking it's the lower ball joints or the Rack and Pinion gear. I am so leaning towards the rack and pinion and tie rod ends