Mechanical Problems :(

[spta97]

Hi,

I replaced the front pads and rotors (with Autozone parts) today and I took it for a test drive. The brakes seem ok but are squeaking when rolling along. It sounds like the pad is resting on the rotor and it goes away when I hit the brakes. I'm hoping it will subside when they break in but I was looking for ideas.

The other problem I noticed (which I think was unrelated) is that the steering will shudder when turning. I was able to duplicate it while stopped but it will shudder pretty bad and it feels like the wheel is fighting you.

One more thing is that when I hit a bump the tire on the passenger side makes a kinda hollow sound (for lack of a better description). The driver side doesn't make any sound so I'm thinking it's not normal.

Can anyone offer any advice on these situations? I'm concerned when driving it now.

Thanks..

 

[mabulok]

When you did the brake job, did you also pull the caliper centering bolts and lubricate them? Don't know if your AWD has them but my 2000 2WD did, and they were dried out last time I did brakes. They allow the the caliper to "float", centered on the rotor. Yours might be stuck and one pad dragging on the rotor. About the wheel shudder, I've got the same thing on mine. Dealer says nothing can be done. They said it's sometimes caused by air in the pump/lines and bled the system by turning the wheels back and forth, but that only helped a little. Mine only does it when I turn the wheels with the truck stopped, so it's not much of a problem for me. And finally, you need to lubricate those ball joints, even if they are sealed. If you don't, they dry out, wear out, and leave you with front end clunks that sound like the explorer's about to fall apart. If your's need replacing, make sure to get the ones with grease fittings, so you'll never have to replace them again. I'm no expert, just my $.02

 

[spta97]

There were two bolts with rubber boots that the calipers bolted into. I didn't notice them until the 2nd side was almost done but I took the whole thing apart again and put a light coating of caliper grease (super thick stuff). I would have put more, but I remember reading that they were just supposed to be lightly coated (unless I'm thinking of caliper slides).

Regarding the wheel shudder I did some searching last night and others have blamed bad power steering fluid. I've never messed with it, so I don't know what's good or bad. Several had done the "turkey baster" method where they would pull out what was in there and replace with new, rince and repeat in a few more days. I guess it might be worth a shot.

As far as the ball joints can you tell me more? I know nothing about them (where they are, what they do, or how to lubricate them).

Thanks for the reply!

 

[BradE.]

You can't lube ball joints, they are sealed units on Explorers. If they are worn, they must be replaced, which is not a cheap or easy job.

 

[spta97]

You can't lube ball joints, they are sealed units on Explorers. If they are worn, they must be replaced, which is not a cheap or easy job.

Do my symptoms sound like ball joints or something else?