Traction/Stability over bump or wet road. Vehicle darts/throws to right side (towards ditch)

[CK0045]

Hello everyone,

I have picked up a 2012 Explorer XLT earlier in the year and this is my first Explorer and I love so many things about it. It has a bunch of miles on it but for the most part it runs really good!

One big issue was the steering was super loose when I purchased it and I knew the tie rods needed some TLC. Inner tie rods felt fine but the outers definitely needed replacing, I changed the outer tie rods on both sides which made a huge improvement. One ball joint had minor play but I wanted to test drive the vehicle a little more to see a few things before I put more money into it.

This was near the end of the winter season when I purchased my Explorer and driving on wet pavement and slushy conditions at some points actually scared me a couple times. Most roads I travel on are usually two lane roads. I found that when I would hit a bigger puddle or hit slush on the side of the road, the vehicle would dart towards the right, almost throwing me towards the ditch on side of the road. I didn't notice this behavior on the left side but only the right side.

I looked at a few more things such as tires and figured ok maybe that could be one problem. I first swapped tires from left side to right side, right to left but still had same issue. I put another set of wheels and tires on but same behavior. Back shocks could have felt better so I started looking for new shocks but ended up installing new front struts and springs as well as new rear shocks. I had to change a ball joint so while changing the struts I installed new lower control arms on both sides. Stabilizer links felt fine. Replaced one rear bearing/hub assembly but the others feel and sound normal. I forgot to mention that alignment is good as well.

To summarize: Problem -> Vehicle throws / darts to right side over rain puddles or slushy road.
Parts already replaced: - Tires and rims
- Tie rods
- Front struts/springs
- Front lower control arms w/ball joints
- Rear shocks

Wondering if anyone has had similar behavior and what they had to do to remedy the problem?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum Chris.
I wonder if the "pulling right" is a cause of hydroplaning? Does this happen at all speeds or only at higher highway speeds?
I did a quick 'Search' and didn't find any similar threads. There were issues with rear end sway.
Roads are typically designed with a crown in the center to allow for water run-off. I wonder if that accounts for pulls to the right?

Peter

 

[CK0045]

Hi Peter,
Thanks for the reply. I definitely know the feeling of hydroplaning and the first thought I had was possibly the design of the tires so my first thought was to put on different tires. I have never driven another Explorer before but this doesn't feel like a normal feeling. I work for a competing automobile manufacturer and this is definitely a safety concern that I am dealing with. I have definitely never felt something like this ever before in any other vehicle I have driven.

I don't know the exact history of the vehicle but I have tried to replace most of the parts related to the suspension but I think the only part that's left is the sway bar. I'm almost thinking like the swaybar is damaged somehow.

Chris