2011 Ford Explorer Ride Quality

[edselford]

I purchased a new 2011 Ford Explorer XLT about one year ago and overall, I am happy with the vehicle. Except for a few issues with Sync and a defective radiator fan, the vehicle has been flawless.

 

However, I have noticed that after about 15,000 miles, the low speed ride quality has deteriated. The vehicle has the tow package and the luxury leather leating package but thats about it.

 

At low speeds, below about 35-40 mph, each bump seems to be amplified and the dividing strips are jarring. At higher speeds, above 55 miles per hour, the vehicle rides smoothly.

 

Before purchasing this vehicle, I had a 2008 Ford Edge and it rode smoothly at all speeds.

 

The tires are michelons, I think 18 " and the rims are the standard offered on the XLT.

 

Does anyone have any ideas? What can be done if anything? Almost like too much dampening???

 

Your discussion on this subject is appreciated.

 

Edselford

[akirby]

I purchased a new 2011 Ford Explorer XLT about one year ago and overall, I am happy with the vehicle. Except for a few issues with Sync and a defective radiator fan, the vehicle has been flawless.

 

However, I have noticed that after about 15,000 miles, the low speed ride quality has deteriated. The vehicle has the tow package and the luxury leather leating package but thats about it.

 

At low speeds, below about 35-40 mph, each bump seems to be amplified and the dividing strips are jarring. At higher speeds, above 55 miles per hour, the vehicle rides smoothly.

 

What's the tire pressure?

[edselford]

What's the tire pressure?

 

 

I have 35 psi in all four tires as indicated on the plackerd on the left door opening. I thought that the gauge might be off so I bought another gage and they both read 35psi cold.

 

Any ideas??

 

Thanks

Edselford

[akirby]

Check the shocks for leaks and by pushing down on each corner. Check for anything broken, loose or binding in the suspension. Might not hurt to have the alignment checked and check the tires for damage.

 

Try increasing the tire pressure to 40 psi just for grins.

 

If the suspension checks out ok and alignment is within specs and that doesn't fix it - see if you can borrow another set of tires from the dealer or a tire shop for a test drive. If that doesn't change it then I'd replace the shocks.

[GaryG]

I have 35 psi in all four tires as indicated on the plackerd on the left door opening. I thought that the gauge might be off so I bought another gage and they both read 35psi cold.

 

Any ideas??

 

Thanks

Edselford

 

Sounds like you might have problems with tire wear. My '11 Explorer Limited still rides like a dream at all speeds with 26,000 miles. I run 51psi, which is maximum sidewall for the 20" Hankook tires for a number of reasons including handling, wear, and MPG. I don't rotate my tires because if I do get wear damage on the front tires, I can determine front end problems and get that repaired ASAP. Also, replacing two front tires at a time is easier rather than all four at the same time.

 

I test drove a '12 Explorer Limited 2.0L EcoBoost with 20" Pirelli's, and it had a crappy ride compared to my Explorer. Tires can be the difference used or new.

 

Did you rotate and balance your tires? Factory balancing could have been better before and now you may have a less quality job on used tires. I don't rotate or need to change the balance unless I have problems with balancing. I've went through enough tires running 35psi because the outer edges wear faster when cornering. Check the tread depth across you tires to make sure they're even on both sides.

[edselford]

Sounds like you might have problems with tire wear. My '11 Explorer Limited still rides like a dream at all speeds with 26,000 miles. I run 51psi, which is maximum sidewall for the 20" Hankook tires for a number of reasons including handling, wear, and MPG. I don't rotate my tires because if I do get wear damage on the front tires, I can determine front end problems and get that repaired ASAP. Also, replacing two front tires at a time is easier rather than all four at the same time.

 

I test drove a '12 Explorer Limited 2.0L EcoBoost with 20" Pirelli's, and it had a crappy ride compared to my Explorer. Tires can be the difference used or new.

 

Did you rotate and balance your tires? Factory balancing could have been better before and now you may have a less quality job on used tires. I don't rotate or need to change the balance unless I have problems with balancing. I've went through enough tires running 35psi because the outer edges wear faster when cornering. Check the tread depth across you tires to make sure they're even on both sides.

 

 

Thanks for the info. I test drove a 2012 Ford Explorer today and found that the vehicle road smoother, much less impact shock. The problem started about 3,000 miles when I had the dealer rotate the tires.

 

I checked the tires and the wear is absolutely even across each one .

 

Next step is to instrument vehicle to see what Ford thinks

 

Thanks

 

Edselford

[VinceL]

Could just simple wear of the tread change the character of a tire like the OP is having? Could something be structurally changing in the tires, possibly due to defect that could result in ride quality changes? I find it interesting that it is only affecting certain speed ranges.

Please keep us posted as to what you find out

[mashford]

Curious to know the out come here..

[GaryG]

Curious to know the out come here..

 

The out come is not good. I know and have been there many times in my life. Bad tire quality and low tire pressure recommended on the door will do it every time.

 

I see you have a new Explorer Sport on the way. Be smart and put the tire psi at Max sidewall or more to prevent problems like he did. I have over 43K on my front tires with 51psi, and no rotations at all. I'll make 50K on the front and 90K on the back with no problems. Hypermilers know!

[GaryG]

The out come is not good. I know and have been there many times in my life. Bad tire quality and low tire pressure recommended on the door will do it every time.

 

I see you have a new Explorer Sport on the way. Be smart and put the tire psi at Max sidewall or more to prevent problems like he did. I have over 43K on my front tires with 51psi, and no rotations at all. I'll make 50K on the front and 90K on the back with no problems. Hypermilers know!

 

I just replaced my front Hankook tires at 51,050 miles. Never rotated them and kept 51 - 55psi in them since new. Tire wear was even across both tires. I have another 40,000 miles left on the rear tires, so my plan is to sell the '11 Explorer with good tires at 80,000 - 85,000 miles and buy a new Explorer. I have the Costco extended warranty (4 years or 95,000 miles) that can be transferred for $40 to a new buyer. My dealer replaced the rear back-up camera, shifter nob and the 110V outlet with one $100 deductible. Got a rental car also with the Costco warranty which covers more than the ESP Ford warranty. Had all this work including the latest update to MFT from Tues - Thurs afternoon which cost me a total of $592.43 for everything including the tires, mounting, balancing and the deductible with tax. The muliti-point inspection was free also.

 

These new Hankook tires ride as good as the first front tires, which is the best handling tires I have ever had. Mullinax Ford in Lake Park Florida is the best dealership ever! This was my first time using my Costco Extended Warranty (Cheaper than Ford ESP) and it was great!

 

Gary