New Explorer owner w/poss suspension prob

[Nay-Sayer]

I recently purchased a 1998 Ford Explorer V6 EB with 124k miles. I've noticed that this truck needs a wheel alignment and, when driving @ highway speeds, the truck seems to "sway" back a forth when maneuvering [eg changing lanes].

I'm new to Explorers and was wondering if anyone could tell me what's going on with my truck's suspension that could cause this "sway" effect while driving @ highway speeds?

Thanks in advance.

 

[rileyrs]

sway bar bushings?
could be cuz of the bad alignement.
are your shocks worn out?

 

[blondepms9489]

i have have the same issue wit my 97. I am also a new x owner

 

[gmanpaint]

Have it inspected.

Check the sway bar end links & all bushings.

Have all 4 ball joints checked for slop.

Check all control arm bushings for rot or missing rubber.

Check the steering rack for leaks around the seals.

Taking it into an alignment shop will net you a result. The tech will check all of these things when performing an alignment. If any of these things are bad, they wont be able to do a proper job. They will tell you to have them repaired first.

Bad shocks will only come into play when braking, accelerating, or turning.
When turning, bad shocks will cause corner nose dives.
Broken sway bars will give you that rolling, floating boat feeling.
Bad bushings can cause parts to stick and clunk when moving.
Bad ball joints will give steering play, slamming or clunking.
Worn steering rack will cause shudder in steering wheel, uneven turning in wheel, and hard leak out the seals causing harder & harder turning till the seals blows up.

Hope this helps.....good luck.

 

[Nay-Sayer]

Broken sway bars will give you that rolling, floating boat feeling.

If this is indeed the issue, what am I looking @ in repair costs?

Thanks again.

 

[ThePhoenix]

they are cheap...its usually sway bar end links...under $30