lowering the 2014 explorer

[hardin]

Anyone feel like the car is extremely jerky and touchy? I always feel like I am one steering wheel mowe away from being car sick especially when I am the passenger. My husband seems to think it we lower the car the center of gravity will be lower and reduce this feeling? Anyone have the same or similar issue? Thanks!

 

[Bryceb]

I gotta say, I never felt that this SUV/CUV was too tall or handled poorly for what it is.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

I don't feel that the Explorer is to jerky. I actually bought it because of it's smoothness. Maybe lowering it would help your situation though. Maybe there is something wrong with your suspension. I would get it checked out before you lower it.

 

[Halwg]

Smoothest SUV I have ever driven, and I have driven a LOT of them. Something is definitely wrong with your car!

 

[peterk9]

No such issues with the 2011 Limited I had. Drove/rode very well.

Peter

 

[hardin]

So maybe I need to clarify my concern. The car rides fines maybe it is too smooth which for me makes me feel like I am floating when I am a passenger and makes the other movements feel exaggerated. I have had an edge and have ridden in an Explorer Sport and both feel lower to the ground and less top heavy. I think that minimizes the other movements I am feeling when u move the steering wheel?

 

[peterk9]

The Sport is slightly lower with a stiffer suspension but still I never experienced what you are referring to when I had my 2011 Limited.

Peter

 

[markls8]

Hi hardin!
There are lots of possible explanations for this, even outside some mechanical and alignment faults. Is it possible that you (or your husband) are not looking far enough down the road? It a very common driving mistake (I see it often, both as a passenger, and when driving behind someone), and it leads to many driving complications, one of which is constant and unnecessary steering wheel movement, and that gentle, often otherwise imperceptible back and forth motion can cause motion sickness.

Some tires can cause what's known as "tram lining" on certain pavement that does not, for the most part, need any steering input to correct, but can make it look like you need to. That can cause some additional slight back and forth swaying.

I am a sailor, and private pilot, so I encounter motion-sickness in other people fairly often. There is a psychological component to it that involves the perceived locus of control. Meaning if you let the other person take over the controls they will then feel back in control, and therefore start to feel better. So maybe now you have a good reason for you to drive... become your husband's chauffeur?

 

[markls8]

BTW- I am doubtful that lowering the suspension would have a positive effect on this. It will tighten up the handling and give slight steering wheel movements even more authority at manoeuvring the vehicle.

If you can, you might want to drive another Explorer to see if it is the same, or the problem is unique to yours and therefore a fault.