Front end shakes without moving! | Ford Explorer Forums

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Front end shakes without moving!

Goshawk

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July 5, 2015
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Year, Model & Trim Level
2003 Ford Sport Trac
Thanks for reading.
I've just finished replacing the wheel bearings, breaks, calipers, rotors in the front end of a 2003 EST. Once off the jacks, and running I turned the wheels to the right and the whole front end shakes as if I've got frozen up ball joints. Same to the left. I rolled it out the garage and see if it would change; no good.
while driving straight it's ok, but moving or stopped the shaking is very prevalent. I'm stumped. It's back on the jacks for the night. I'm wondering if I somehow got a wrong hub that's putting compression on the CV joints, or the front differential.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Goshawk
 



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Most likely air in the power steering caused by turning the wheels with the engine off. While you have it on stands, start
the engine and slowly turn lock to lock repeatedly for a couple minutes and the air will purge out. VERY common mistake.
 






Most likely air in the power steering caused by turning the wheels with the engine off. While you have it on stands, start
the engine and slowly turn lock to lock repeatedly for a couple minutes and the air will purge out. VERY common mistake.

Yup. That's it.
It was bad enough that I had to put it down on the ground to prevent the whole front end from hammering!
I'll be blunt. I've been pulling wrenches on heavy trucks and equipment since the 70's and never encountered this before. Sure put me in my place!

Thanks again.
Goshawk
 






Yep, air in the power steering system. My theory (no one's ever confirmed it) is that when you turn the wheels with the engine off it sucks air in through the rack seals. It can take a little while to work all the air out, but eventually it will return to normal. Super common problem/complaint. It's a Ford thing.
 






This happened to me when I did my front brakes- scared the ahit out of me because it was violent enough, felt like it was going to shake off the stands!
 






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