New to Forum

[planejames]

Hi,
I just joined the forum and really like reading the posts and the tips for maintenance on the Explorer. I have owned Ford 4x4 vehicles for about 10 years and have enjoyed them all. All cars have quirks and Ford is no different.

I have meticulously maintained my 05 Exlorer since I purchased it with 8k miles in 06. Now it is approaching 90k and has been a great vehicle. I am starting to notice a few issues.

The brakes are pulsating in the pedal especially during hard stops (I suspect air in the ABS or Brake System) and over the past few 1000 miles, I noticed the front end squeaking even while going over the smallest bumps. The squeaking is a bit anoying now so I need to address it. The Ford manual says nothing of life limits for the shocks or struts. Just to "inspect for leakage and damage".

Any input is appreciated.
James

 

[sport97]

That pulsing is most likely warped rotors. And the squeaking could be bad shocks/struts, but it could also be worn or ungreased ball joints, or control arm bushings. If your ball joints are still original that is my bet, mine went around 85k.

Oh, and welcome aboard!

 

[NHarris]

The squeaking could be from the sway bar bushings. Mine squeaked all the time and I have replaced mine. I did a write-up on replacing em. Its a very simple thing to do.
How to: Replace Sway Bar bushings (frame only)
This is inexpensive and I would recommend doing this anyway as they do dry out.

As for the brakes, I would suspect rotors are warped.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard!

I concur. Most likely warped rotors. Check the struts, coil springs, ball joints, sway bar bushings.