2003 Ford Explorer front end sway

Tiny
SOUTHTRAC
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPLORER
  • 142,000 MILES
Just replaced the sway bar end links now when I get to 60 mph and above the front end has a sway side to side if I slow down to 60 mph it stops everything else looks in good shape I have been told everything from separated tire to alignment to sway bar bushings to wheel bearings
Sunday, September 15th, 2013 AT 10:48 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
I would recommend having the front end inspected for any other loose parts, then start with a wheel alignment. Lets us know what you find
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Sunday, September 15th, 2013 AT 11:15 AM
Tiny
SOUTHTRAC
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I forgot to note that also last week I replaced front brake pads and repacked the front wheel bearings they looked good also I did not replace the sway bar to frame bushings, could they be the culprit?
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Sunday, September 15th, 2013 AT 2:10 PM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Sway bar bushings usually dont cause a sway- although you think they would by the name. If they are loose, I would replace them. Then get a front end alignment. Townfair usually charges 100$ but its money well spent. They will give you a print out of your caster, camber, toe in/toe out, and your thrust angle. Let me know what you find.
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Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 AT 3:42 PM
Tiny
JMOTTEA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
My 2000 Ford Explorer is making a clunking noise when I went over small bumps. I got under the front end and saw that the rods that hold the upper stabilizer bar had about 1" of slack, but the nut that holds it, is at the end of the threads and cannot be tightened any more. When I push up on the front end the slack goes away. What can be causing the slack? The picture I am sending still shows some slack even after inserted some washers at the bottom to fill the gap. Thanks. John
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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Are you talking about the mounts at the frame, or the links at the control arms? No picture came thru. The mounts at the frame should have rubber in them, if not replace the mounts. Links look like shock insulators, and if gone, also need to be replaced.
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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JMOTTEA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I am talking about the bolts that connect between the upper stabilizer bar and the lower suspension. Both sides have at least one inch gap. Cannot reduce gap. For some reason the site is not talking the picture. Thanks. John

updated 3/25/09


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/46392_explorer_suspension_1.jpg

What I am talking about are two bolts on either side of the front suspension that are about 7 or 8 inches long. They connect the upper stabilizer bar to the lower. They are tightened all the way, but there is still about 1 to 1 1/2 inches of slack. When I push up on the bumper from the bottom the slack goes away. It's like the front of the car is sitting to low for some reason. The only front end work I have done is changed the shocks. I used Monroe shocks. I have temporarily put in a couple of shims to take up the slack until I can find out the reason for this. I am attaching a pic of what I am talking about. Thanks.
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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Jpeg or gif format should post OK, if you mean the links, this is the part that connects the sway bar to the lower control arms, the kit is about 20.00 dollars and you just install 2 new links. a rubber insulator must be worn out. The part I am talking about is shown as the stabilizer bar link...


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_exploerefrontend_1.jpg

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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Yep, it's the stablizer bar link, the come as a pair for about 23-30 dollars.
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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
VIC1134
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
I have a 2000 Ford Explorer and the sway bars have broken. How easy of a job is this? How long does a job like this take? Are any specialty tools needed? I'm used to doing my own work on my vehicle but have never attempted this.
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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Front or rear see diagrams locate what is broken doubt stablizer is it is rolled steel.
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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ANDREWWAGONER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1996 FORD EXPLORER
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 278,456 MILES
I just got this 96 ford explorer, My wife and I notice the front end makes a roaring type noise. We replaced the tires it helped a little but something is still not right. We notice the vehicle shakes quite a bit up front too, but not as much in the back of the vehicle. I'm sure with the mileage on this vehicle the front suspension could use a little love. However, I was wondering without having to spend a fortune is there something in particular that could fix this problem. I do intend on replacing things like the ball joints, sway bar links, and wheel bearing if it's equipped with them but right now I'm just trying to get it to quit shaking. The front end squeaks going over bumps too ( I'm thinking shocks). Can someone help me out here. Thanks, Andrew
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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JGAROFALO
  • MECHANIC
  • 489 POSTS
The shaking is most likely caused by loose part(s) in the steering linkage or suspension. Ball joints and tie rod ends are the most likely culprits. You can check the ball joints by raising the front on each side supporting under the outer portion of the lower control arm. Try moving the tire/wheel assembly in or out, up or down. Any motion is not normal and indicates worn parts.
To check tie rod ends, try to move the wheel back and forth in the steering plane. Again, there should be no looseness.
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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 3:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
Don't forget the steering stabilizer as well.
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Friday, April 19th, 2019 AT 3:53 PM (Merged)

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