Ford Explorer Squeaky Suspension (4 Reasons That Unfolded)

Found critical issues with your Ford’s suspension creating noise instead making rides smoother and comfier? Maybe you think to go for a whole new setup but budget might be an issue! 

Well, we got your dilemma! In this article, you will see how this squeaky situation occurs in many ways!

So, what reasons stay behind the Ford Explorer’s squeaky suspension?

First of all, fewer scopes to repair the worn or damaged suspension parts create noise. Meanwhile, broken coil springs or leaf springs might generate a squeaky situation too. Also, replacement lackings of rubber mounts or bushing also push the suspension system to go inefficiently.

That’s not the end! We are getting started. By the end of this, you will find feasible solutions briefed too! 

So, spare us a few minutes, and let’s dig deeper!

Key Reasons Behind Ford Explorer Squeaky Suspension

Now, it’s time to dig out the reasons behind occurring this in detail. Also, we will spell out the possible solutions to prevent your car from squeaking! So, let’s get going!

Reason 1: Lack of Repairment While Having Sealed Ball Joints

Exploring the suspension system of your car might reveal loads of part requirements. In the meantime, you can not rely on the original parts in the long run. 

Nowadays, getting sealed suspension joints are widely available. And, it ensures having enough lube there for ages. 

However, we see issues around the world while part repairing is a must. Lack of taking action on this might create a noisy situation. 

Solution

There are sealed ball joints available in the suspension system of the car. But the benefits of sealed suspension joints ensured by the manufacturers are still a challenge. 

Initially, it ensures cost-effective pricing. Along with that, you will find less maintenance required here. 

However, what if any single part of that system gets damaged? Answering this question by the sealed joint is tough. 

The later the worse picture you might find. Simply, we suggest taking impactful prevention rather than digging out the curing process. Once you start using the car carrying a sealed joint, you might not have instant solutions. 

We know the suspension system comes with different complex parts. And, each of them requires a particular way of fixing after the damage. 

Things this system carries are tires, coil springs, shock absorbers, bearings, bushings, etc. Meanwhile, you will come across each part occurring with different issues throughout the time. 

Widely, most technicians or even car experts suggest alternatives to the sealed joint. From their aspect, prioritizing the repairments more than the full lubricant is more significant. 

As a result, you might choose the casual way of inspecting and greasing a serviceable joint. It will let you have a hands-on benefit within a shorter period. All you need is to inspect on time.

Apart from this action, nothing will feel much tougher to follow along. Replacement of the OE-style sealed joint can be another alternative. 

Meanwhile, it comes with a premium lubricating joint offering less cost. Along with that, it might serve your car for a long time. And, no question will arise in terms of its serviceability. 

That’s where re-engineering the existing design is somewhat lesser. Most car owners eliminating sealed ball joints are interested in OE-style joints. 

As a result, the suspension system won’t ever start making noise. 

What if it still does? Then, you should consider that time to get it fixed.

Reason 2: Worn Ball Joints

Worn ball joints seem visible mostly while your car gets a speed bump. Basically, ball joints usually are the pivot points between the wheels and suspension. While running the car for ages, a worn-out situation is common.

Solution

First, you need to check if the ball joint is still good or bad. To measure this, you have to turn the steering wheels.

Along with that, things will get clear while your car’s suspension starts moving. Found the boots related to the ball joints cracked upon your visual inspection? 

This might be the initial cause making it squeaky indeed. Allowing dirt and dust make this crisis real. 

In the meantime, water insertion might give you a clue behind this noisy situation. As these parts of the suspension are non-greaseable, you require nothing but servicing them. 

As a result, the lower and upper ball joints- both need to be fixed. Meanwhile, the same story goes for the whole control arm which must be replaced. 

Along with that, you need to focus on the steering knuckle and control arm. Usually, the knuckle does not move independently in the arm. But in this crisis, you will find it moving independently.

Reason 3: Lack of Rubber Mounts and Bushing Replacement

Bushings and rubber mounts- both originated from rubber primarily. Over time, these parts of the car might get worn out. Also, you might find several signs of cracking which indicates getting it fixed. 

As a result, your car might have a tough time riding. Along with that, going over several bumps can make the bushing and rubber mounts more vulnerable. 

In the meantime, there will be loads of chaos from the front or rear part. In most cases, it’s better to replace ones rather than fix the older ones. 

Solution

Unlike other fixing issues, this is highly a DIY project. Just you need to remember some steps while working on it! First of all, unscrew the cap. 

And then, take out the bushing. Ejecting this out won’t put you into any major trouble indeed. 

Now, get a new one to replace it. After all, make sure that you screw that cap back on. That’s it! 

However, the damage level of the rubber might vary from situation to situation. Depending on this, you don’t always choose the replacement option. 

There might be some minor indications of wearing. For that, you can apply simple lubrication. This approach is much more cost-effective along with saving your time. 

Meanwhile, users always get the wrong idea about the rubber lubrication process. You don’t need to take the bushing out! However, it can be suitably done while staying in the original position inside the car. 

But for that, you will be needing a lubricant bottle. Along with that, a long tiny nozzle might be an effective option here. 

This can reach suitably to the tiny and tight spaces inside. And, the holes carrying dirt and forcing behind making noises will be visible too. 

Reason 4: Broken Leaf Springs

Broken leaf springs are another source of producing unusual noise. So, road bumps are not always the culprit behind hearing clunks but these springs are! 

These springs hold a reflexive nature while working. However, this manner might get disturbed in the long run. And, that causes severe noise out of nowhere. 

Once you detect it, a proper fix is required. As a result, it might absorb shock suitably again. Along with that, a nicer balance will be kept there. 

And, you will see the proper maintenance of the force between contacting different surfaces.

Solution

Step 1: Washing the Spring

Wash the leaf springs with a pressure washer and spray thoroughly. Don’t you carry a professional pressure washer at home? 

No problem at all! You can use the pressure hose at the nearby coin-oriented car wash.

Step 2: Setting Jack Stand

Now, lift the rear of your Ford Explorer with a floor jack. And then, set a jack stand under the rear frame on every part. But keep in mind not to set the stands beneath the back axle. 

Why is that? 

Well, we want this rear axle hanging down as distant as possible. In the meantime, fix the Ford onto the jack stands.

Step 3: Apply Greasing

It’s time to apply an insubstantial coating of white lithium lubricant. It’ll be done in between each leaf situated in the left and right leaf springs. 

And, make sure to have a tinier paintbrush with it. Now, observe the areas where the leaf springs contact each other.

Step 4: Test Drive

Now, spraying some swift bursts of silicone spray grease into the leaf spring bushings is required. Then, take out the stands from your Ford Explorer. 

Here’s our recommendation of the best multi-purpose grease for Ford Explorer!

Drive a few miles for test purposes. Bet you won’t find any Ford squeaky issues like before anymore!

FAQs

Why Is My Ford Explorer So Noisy?

This situation might arise while your Ford’s engine is getting so much fuel. Eventually, scarcity of the fuel also creates noise. Usually, providing incorrect information from a faulty or even dirty sensor is the major cause here. As a result, the engine starts running roughly creating harsh noise.

Is Suspension Costly To Fix?

Substituting a suspension system commonly costs between $1,000 to even $5,000. However, high-functioning cars such as Ford Explorer, etc., might demand more money. You might find unusual pricing due to the complexity of the replacement. And, the high price of alternative parts, etc., also is a setback.

How Long Should An Ideal Suspension System Last?

Commonly, suspensions begin to wear out while hitting around 60,000 miles. But expensive cars might allow you to drive 100,000 miles. In the meantime, the terrain where you drive impacts much on the suspension. While wearing out, your car might get bumpier than normal times during the suspension.

Final Words

The knowledge quest concludes here about Ford Explorer’s squeaky suspension

Now, you know the possible solutions to noise suspension. For any further information, you might seek help from car experts. They can undoubtedly add you up. 

Still, feel we left anything unspoken? Let us know your opinion!

Happy Driving!

Rob Dahm

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