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2008 Ford Escape Repair Question


Topics covered: Tire, Ball joint, Bump.
Mileage: 150,000 miles.

Asked on September 25, 2012

What causes shaking above 80 km/h

Hello, I have a 2008 4wd ford escape, it has started to vibrate and shake above 80 km/h. Anything below that speed it drives great, as soon as you hit 80 you can start to feel it and it gets worse as you increase the speed. I put on new tires, had them rebalanced then when that didn't work I put on an entirely new set of tires and had them rebalanced, exact same symptoms. It is not dependant on the vehicles RPM's or what gear the tranny is in as I can shift it into neutral or hammer the gas to get it to shift at 90 km/h and the shaking stays constant. Its not the tires, I dont' think its the engine (mounts etc) or tranny, any ideas?
Avatar Asked by zackbrown

Answer

Replied on September 25, 2012

Have you checked the tie rods?Does it ever start shaking after hitting a bump?

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,195 answers provided
Replied on September 25, 2012

Sorry should have mentioned the car was safetied 3 weeks ago, anything included in a safety in Ontario should not be an issue. I believe tie rods are part of that

Tiny Response from zackbrown
1 question asked
Replied on September 25, 2012

Also no shaking at all when hitting bumps at any speed, it is a constant shake increasing with speeds above 80 km/h (sorry for the km Im canadian)

Tiny Response from zackbrown
1 question asked

Replied on September 25, 2012

When i did new york state inspections it didnt include tie rods or ball joints are you sure there included?Also i wouldnt depend on that and assume there good.People get in a hurry and over look things.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,195 answers provided
Replied on September 25, 2012

Very true, I will have them looked over tomorrow. Tie rods and ball joints would cause an issue only over 80km/h? and not have any noises or issues when hitting bumps or turning?

Tiny Response from zackbrown
1 question asked
Replied on September 25, 2012

Not so much ball joints but tie rods keep the wheels from moving side to side.Most people don't even know they have bad tie rods.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,195 answers provided

Replied on September 25, 2012

it has 4wd or allwd?

Tiny Answered by cadieman (expert)
2,866 answers provided
Replied on September 25, 2012

Also have the whole front end check and make sure there is no bent rims etc.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,195 answers provided
Replied on September 25, 2012

No bent rims, had that checked, it is an all time 4WD, I believe it has 80% power going to the front wheels and 20% to the back until you need it (start slipping) then it will switch to 50/50

Tiny Response from zackbrown
1 question asked
Replied on September 25, 2012

If that's the case I would check the axles also.

Tiny Answered by saturntech9 (expert)
23,195 answers provided