Front end problem.

[astanford]

Hello!

First off let me say my Explorer has been a godsend, I got it with 150k miles on it and it now has 177k and counting, It has been an excellent vehicle with no engine/transmission problems AT ALL. I have yet to replace anything (Except standard oil changes/Transmission fluid changes) Since it is running so good!

It is a 2000 ford explorer sport edition 2wd.

Now here is my problem.

I put a grille guard on it to protect it from hitting deer as I live in a very deer prone area and had a 40 mile commute to and from work. Well one morning around 5am sure enough one come barreling out from a line of brush (brush is 3 feet from roads edge) and I was doing 65mph, only had enough time to get slowed down to maybe 60mph before I clocked him with the right front side of the vehicle, I pulled over a little ways down the road (2 lane road no shoulder) where it was safe and checked for any damage, None was visible except for a dent in my grille guard and some hair on the bumber and right front wheel assembly where I guess he went under the vehicle after hitting the brush guard and hit the front wheel assembly. Now for a month or so after hitting the deer my vehicle still ran straight and true, It has no developed a hard pull to the right along with strong vibrations, Neither of which start until above aprox 40mph, I do get a slight pull below 40mph but nothing serious. Checked tire pressure, its good, had tires rotated and its still doing it. No audible noises just the vibration and pulling to the right, The vibration has gotten steadily worse (Grille guard will begin to vibrate/shake above 55mph).

What could be the possible causes? I want to be sure so I dont go blowing money I dont have, Also dont want to be cruising down the highway and have a wheel go flying off or somethin lol.

 

[Justme63]

Have you checked ball joints, tie rod ends and for possible control arm damage? I would suggest lifting the front and checking for any play in the wheels. I don't know your abilities so please don't take this as condescending. Raise one wheel at a time, grab at 3&9 o'clock and see if it moves, then again at 12&6 and repeat. the other thing it might, slim chance, be is a dragging brake. Spin the wheel while up and see if it is dragging. Have you had the wheels balanced? Could be one of those that is causing you issue,and just was bad timing. Good luck and hopefully someone that has experienced this will reply as well.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

^^^^^^^

What he said. Tie rods are most likely, followed by the ball joints.

Here's the thing: if one of these is broken once you replace parts, the truck will need to get aligned. Very easiest thing to do is take the truck to the alignment shop first. If it's not a simple alignment issue (always possible, but not the likeliest outcome) can pretty much guaranty the shop will tell you what is broken so you won't be guessing. Doesnt hurt that they very likely will not charge you for checking it out.