Bouncing feeling during take off/vibration at steering wheel

[SUV_RIDER]

Hello ALL, I'VE A 2003 FORD EXPLORER V6, 114k MILES. It seems that the vehicle is bouncing somewhat during take off (speed of 15 to 30+. Just put new front rotors/pads on it and right front wheel bearings. Could this me a problem with the front struts, balljoints, etc. It was inspected a few months ago and local shop said front end parts were in good shape. I have noticed that when I go across a speed bump, i hear a noise on left front. What is a good way to check the struts? I haven't noticed a leak. I've noticed the upper balljoint rubber bushing on both sides are cracked up/stuff. This doesn't mean the balljoints are bad correct? The outer tie-rods are both new. Could this be the inner tie rods? Also noticed vibration at steering wheel when driving 55-65 mph. Also, could this be wheels out of balance? i would appreciate any assistance or advice you care to provide. Thanks, and have a great day.

 

[HiImBrian]

It could be any of that. Just because the shop said it "looks" good doesn't mean that it is. Start with the cheap stuff, check your tires to make sure they're balanced and give your front end a bit of a shake. Try to distinguish where the squeak is coming from by using WD-40 on upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends. Also check the condition of your sway bar and end link bushings. That should help you narrow down the squeak.

 

[SUV_RIDER]

I will do just that. I've a feeling one issue is wheels out of balance; they are new but were improperly balanced I believe. the squeak issue only does it when I cross a speed bump at speed of 25 or so, if I stop and cross, the squeak or sound doesn't appear. thanks for your assistance. i will check my Haynes manual as well and "Google," and "YOU TUBE."

 

[HiImBrian]

I will do just that. I've a feeling one issue is wheels out of balance; they are new but were improperly balanced I believe. the squeak issue only does it when I cross a speed bump at speed of 25 or so, if I stop and cross, the squeak or sound doesn't appear. thanks for your assistance. i will check my Haynes manual as well and "Google," and "YOU TUBE."

No need to do any of that. You'll find anything you'll ever need to know about your explorer right here in this forum. For future reference, if you intend to do any major repairs to your explorer a Haynes manual will be just this side of useless. Pop on eBay and try to find a Ford service manual for the year of your truck. You can find them cheap sometimes. It will give you a bolt by bolt teardown of your entire vehicle, straight from Ford. Good luck

 

[SUV_RIDER]

i appreciate that information. I will definitely go to EBAY to find a service manual for my vehicle. I wasn't aware service manuals were avaiable on EBAY.

 

[HiImBrian]

i appreciate that information. I will definitely go to EBAY to find a service manual for my vehicle. I wasn't aware service manuals were avaiable on EBAY.

Sure are. They are great. And about 3" thick lol

 

[ZebraT]

Driveshaft/u-joint might be good to check. Sometimes that can feel like "bouncing".