You have saved this page | See all saved pages
Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair
6385 messages, Last post on May 05, 2013 at 7:47 AM
You are in the Ford Explorer Forum.What is this discussion about? Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153
#735 of 6385 Farewell, Perpetual Ford Explorer Woes by mattbart
May 13, 2001 (4:24 pm)
I have been a frequent reader of and occasional poster to this group since the purchase of my 1997 XLT about a year and a half ago. This afternoon I became a statistic... I became one of those Ford Explorer owners involved in a low speed crash that resulted in a rollover. I sideswiped a utility pole while swerving to avoid the vehicle in front of me who suddenly slammed on its brakes. After bouncing off the pole, my Explorer skidded sideways and flipped over. Luckily, I was wearing my seatbelt and I climbed out of the vehicle with only a few scratches and bruises. While I was impressed with the protection the vehicle provided me, I was shocked at how easily it actually rolled over. Hopefully the insurance company will total the hunk of scrap metal and I can get a nice Honda Accord with the money. Good luck, Explorer owners. My Perpetual Ford Explorer Woes are over.By the way, a note to ENGINE: I had the OHV V6 and that engine was probably the only part of the vehicle I never had problems with.
#736 of 6385 HI mattbart by steve_ HOST
May 13, 2001 (6:50 pm)
Wow, did you come straight from the rollover to Town Hall? Bet you're gonna be sore tomorrow.From your description it sounds like the tires didn't hit anything right before the roll (like a curb)? Glad to hear that you're ok. Tough way to justify getting a new rig....
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
#737 of 6385 Boy it's quiet in here by njdevilsrn
May 14, 2001 (10:16 pm)
OK, I'll throw a topic out there. Does anyone know of a problem with the steering stops that is inherent to Explorers? My hunk of junk '99 needed them lubricated I remember. Now, my 2000 makes a pretty loud clunk when the wheel is hard over (doesn't matter right or left). I forget if this is the sound that the '99 made, but I think it was. Anyway, is this a known problem with this breed, is it a sign of a future problem, or just something that needs to be maintained. Any ideas?#738 of 6385 njdevilsrn by mazman1
May 15, 2001 (5:14 am)
The lock to lock turning was designed to accomodate smaller tires and wheels on the explorer, thus the steering mechanism lets you move the steering wheel further than the tires will let you turn and you hit the tires into the chassis. Nothing wrong here other than bad design. You will do better not turning lock to lock as this is hard on the mechanism as well.There are greese fittings and these should be lubed every 2 years... so your 2000 may be due soon.
#739 of 6385 Rear Vibration in '94 XLT by amber11
May 17, 2001 (11:45 pm)
I've read that vibrations are common in Explorers, but would still like to know if anyone can make a suggestion on how to fix ours.We've fixed the following (all needed fixing anyways):
radial arm bushings
front and rear bearings
u-joints
balanced the drive shaft (axle?)
tires all ok & balanced
new shocks
The vibration was horrible starting at about 60mph. After the above repairs it's minimal, but still there. We've called Ford and they don't have a TSB for vibrations at the higher speeds and don't know what to suggest since we've repaired/replaced all that they would have.
Funny thing is...the day after we bought this (a few weeks ago) the fuel pump went out and we just happened to 'die' in front of the Ford dealership. There was no vibration until after we picked it up after they replaced the pump. I'm not saying there's a connection...it's just REALLY aggravating!!
The guy at the tire shop said the vibration started in the rear left when he put the hub back on (no tire).
Any ideas other than just living with it??
Thanks,
Antonia
#740 of 6385 Survived the Edsel by drshrinky1
May 18, 2001 (5:49 pm)
Ford motors survived the Edsel, from 1958, and they will survive the Exploder too.I got rid of my Exploder and will never own another Ford product, as long as I live.
What a pile of junk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They may be OK in 2002, just a window falling out once in a while. That's not a big thing to the
"Blind leading the blind," as they walk into a dealership and see the sales staff salavating at the hunk a dough you will spend for the "Pile."
#741 of 6385 V8 vs SOHC V6 by keto
May 20, 2001 (6:29 pm)
I'm a proud owner of a '93 XLT W/leather, a great year it seems. It's been a great car and now has 82k miles. It has the V6 OH engine and any problems I had along the way were replaced,by the $50 deductible ESP. I'm now looking at a '99 Mercury Mountianier or '99 Explorer XLT/Limited, with similar features like leather, moon roof and running boards. After reading over half of the posts here I'm moving away from the SOHC and towards the V8 AWD. All I've seen for the most part is positive on this engine, and not much less in MPG. Anyone have any stories on the AWD/V8 combo (or positives on the SOHC)would be appreciated. I'm leaning towards the V8. Thanks.#742 of 6385 V8 vs V6 by smily1
May 20, 2001 (10:19 pm)
I have a 98 XLT V8 AWD with 42k. I have been very pleased with it (even with its off road abilities). No mechanical problems to speak of. MPG is about 13.5 mixed (mostly city with lead foot). Best highway was 18.9 on a 300 mile trip at about 90mph. I use full synthetic oil and a K&N air filter. I think we made the best choice by choosing the V8. After 30 years I think Ford worked out all the bugs in the old 302.#743 of 6385 sohc vs. V8 by millerick
May 21, 2001 (8:45 am)
My '98 SOHC engine just died with 60K on it, $5k for a rebuilt one. I went to Nat'l Highway Trans board, lots of complaints on engine problems with this engine, not the older ohc or v8. Knowing what I know now, I would only consider the V8 if I were to buy a Ford again, which I will not. (Their lack of response to my requests for assistance on replacing the engine leads me to believe that Ford doesn't care about keeping this formerly long time Ford guy a customer). Don't know if I had had the same problem with a Pathfinder if Nissan would have been any more responsive, hopefully, I never will find out, but I do know that Ford will never have the opportunity again. BTW, my dealership could not have handled the purchase of my Ford any better and their service manger is excellant. Dealer is Ray Seraphin Ford in Rockville CT (northern part of state). - I highly recommend them.#744 of 6385 millerick sohc by stewert
May 21, 2001 (1:09 pm)
Millerick , Did your engine dying have anything to do with the timing chain or timing chain ten shiner? These parts have a extended warranty to what I believe is 5year 75,000 miles. I would fight ford on this if your engine dying does not have anything to do with neglect.To POST a message, please
Sign In.
Advertisement
Most Popular in Forums
Search Forums
Enter Keyword(s):
Learn More, Do More
Edmunds Community
Advertisement