Ride Quality

[breshi]

I've had my 2013 Limited for about 6 months now. Love it, but I have noticed that the ride quality could be better.

I live in Oklahoma which has the worst roads around. I've really started noticing that I feel every crack, bump or slight imperfection in the road. I've taken in to the dealer to have the suspension inspected with of course, nothing found.

Is it the low profile Hankook 50's (nature of the beast) or is it more of a stiff strut/shock? I did lower my tire pressure to 34 and that did seem to help a bit. Does anybody have any thoughts on what might be the culprit and a solution?

 

[peterk9]

I've had my 2013 Limited for about 6 months now. Love it, but I have noticed that the ride quality could be better.

I live in Oklahoma which has the worst roads around. I've really started noticing that I feel every crack, bump or slight imperfection in the road. I've taken in to the dealer to have the suspension inspected with of course, nothing found.

Is it the low profile Hankook 50's (nature of the beast) or is it more of a stiff strut/shock? I did lower my tire pressure to 34 and that did seem to help a bit. Does anybody have any thoughts on what might be the culprit and a solution?

What did you previously drive? I drove 3 Highlanders over a 9 years stretch and when I switched to the Explorer I did find that its ride seemed to be a little bit harder but I don't notice it now. I think it rides just fine and I go with the recommended 35 psi. Before I went the Toyota route I test drove a 2002 Explorer. Now in that one I experienced what you say you now feel. No comparison between that truck frame and the current unibody structure. I find the 20" Yokohamas I have give me a little stiffer ride than the BFG 17" Winter tires I use during the colder months but it is hardly noticeable.

Peter

 

[FordService]

I've had my 2013 Limited for about 6 months now. Love it, but I have noticed that the ride quality could be better.

I live in Oklahoma which has the worst roads around. I've really started noticing that I feel every crack, bump or slight imperfection in the road. I've taken in to the dealer to have the suspension inspected with of course, nothing found...

Hi breshi,

If you'd like, I can get this into the hands of your regional customer service manager. Since we've been in contact before, all I'll need is a PM from you with your current mileage. I'll do the rest.

Crystal

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

Get your tires safety siping. I did this to my Hankooks (and many other tires, too). It will make a slight improvement, but give you even bigger gains for wet traction and ice & snow.

Most tire places can do this. Call around. Cost about $15 tire. They do not need to be rebalanced.

Discount Tire does this in my area.

 

[breshi]

My last vehicle was a 01 4x4 Supercrew which really had a nice ride for a 4x4 truck and my wife has an 06 Murano. I suspect I'm use to higher profile tires and not the low profile Hankooks.

I probably did state the issue to the dealer improperly. I told them that the suspension seemed to be a little noisy hitting bumps. They said that that everything looked fine. Probably should have had them check the ride quality as a whole.

Crystal, thanks for your offer. Right now I'm trying to determine if this is just a normal driving characteristic. If I don't get that feeling based on this thread, I will have them look at the ride quality.

 

[rbreding]

Had no idea what siping was.....thought it was a typo...google helped me.

 

[peterk9]

Had no idea what siping was.....thought it was a typo...google helped me.

We strive to be an 'educational' forum as well.

Peter

 

[182RG]

Low profile tires generally have a much poorer ride. I drove the Limited on 20's, before we ordered the XLT with 18's. BIG difference in ride quality.

 

[breshi]

I guess that makes sense. less sidewall means less cushion.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

Had no idea what siping was.....thought it was a typo...google helped me.

Siping is a GREAT way to improve tire performance. Especially wet and ice traction. The added benefit is s slight improvement in tires noise and the harsh handeling over road bumps, expansion joints, and such.

I've done at least 350,000 miles the past 12 years with siped tires on the Explorers.