ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
| Item | LH | RH | Total/ Split |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | |||
| Camber | 0.5° ± 0.75° | 0.5° ± 0.75° | 0° ± 0.75° |
| Caster (Explorer, Mountaineer) | 4.4° ± 0.75° | 4.6° ± 0.75° | 0.2° ± 0.75° |
| Caster (Sport Trac) | 4.5° ± 0.75° | 4.7° ± 0.75° | 0.2° ± 0.75° |
| Toe (positive value is toe-in, negative value is toe-out) | 0.20° ± 0.20° | ||
| Rear | |||
| Camber | 0.5° ± 0.75° | 0.5° ± 0.75° | 0° ± 0.75° |
| Toe (positive value is toe-in, negative value is toe-out) | 0.05° ± 0.20° | 0.05° ± 0.20° | 0.10° ± 0.20° |
ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ball Joint Deflection | |
| Lower | 0-0.8 mm (0-0.032 in) |
| Upper | 0-0.2 mm (0-0.008 in) |
| Ride Height (With Full Fluids) | |
| Front (Explorer, Mountaineer) | 16 mm (0.63 in) ± 8 mm (0.31 in) |
| Front (Sport Trac) | 21 mm (0.83 in) ± 8 mm (0.31 in) |
| Rear (Explorer, Mountaineer) | 95 mm (3.74 in) ± 10 mm (0.39 in) |
| Rear (Sport Trac) | 98 mm (3.86 in) ± 10 mm (0.39 in) |
| Thrust Angle (Dogtracking) | |
| Thrust Angle - maximum (centerline of front tires compared to centerline of rear tires) | 30 mm (1.18 in) |
| Tire Balance Weight | |
| Maximum balance weight (total of inner and outer wheel flange) | 170 g (6.0 oz) |
| Tire Inflation | |
| Tires | See safety certification sticker located on driver door jamb. |
| Vehicle Lean (Side-to-Side Height Differences) | |
| Front - maximum | 7 mm (0.28 in) |
| Rear - maximum | 8 mm (0.32 in) |
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
| Description | Nm |
|---|---|
| Front upper arm bolt | 150 |
| Lower arm rearward nut | 200 |
| Rear upper arm inboard nut | 250 |
| Tie-rod jam nut | 70 |
| Toe link inboard nut | 275 |
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
The front camber and caster are adjusted by loosening the upper control arm bolts which will allow the upper arm to be moved in the slotted frame holes. The LF caster can be adjusted by loosening the lower control arm rearward nut to allow the lower arm to be moved in the slotted frame hole. Front toe is adjusted by the use of the front wheel spindle tie rods. The rear camber is adjusted by replacing the upper arm inboard flagnut with a non-flagnut to allow the arm to be adjusted in the slotted frame holes. The rear toe is adjusted through the use of the rear toe link cam bolt.
Scheme 1
Camber is the vertical tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front. Camber can be positive or negative and has a direct effect on tire wear.
Scheme 2
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | True vertical |
| 2 | Positive caster |
| 3 | Ball joint center line |
| 4 | Pivot center line |
Caster is the deviation from vertical of an imaginary line drawn through the ball joints when viewed from the side. The caster specifications in this article will give the vehicle the best directional stability characteristics when loaded and driven. The caster setting is not related to tire wear.
Scheme 3
Scheme 4
The vehicle toe setting
- affects tire wear and directional stability.
- must be checked after adding aftermarket equipment, such as a snowplow.
Wander
Wander is the tendency of the vehicle to require frequent, random left and right steering wheel corrections to maintain a straight path down a level road.
Shimmy
Shimmy, as observed by the driver, is large, consistent, rotational oscillations of the steering wheel resulting from large, side-to-side (lateral) tire/wheel movements.
Shimmy is usually experienced near 64 km/h (40 mph), and can begin or be amplified when the tire contacts pot holes or irregularities in the road surface.
Nibble
Sometimes confused with shimmy, nibble is a condition resulting from tire interaction with various road surfaces and observed by the driver as small rotational oscillations of the steering wheel. For wheel and tire diagnosis, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.
Poor Returnability/Sticky Steering
Poor returnability and sticky steering is used to describe the poor return of the steering wheel to center after a turn or the steering correction is completed.
Drift/Pull
Pull is a tugging sensation, felt by the hands on the steering wheel, that must be overcome to keep the vehicle going straight.
Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does with hands off the steering wheel.
- A vehicle-related drift/pull, on a flat road, will cause a consistent deviation from the straight-ahead path and require constant steering input in the opposite direction to counteract the effect.
- Drift/pull may be induced by conditions external to the vehicle, such as wind or road camber.
Inspection and Verification
- Road test. If any suspension alignment or ride height concerns are present, go to «Symptom Chart - Suspension System»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-information) . Verify the customer concern by carrying out a road test on a smooth road. If any vibrations are present, refer to Go to «Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-information) .
- Inspect tires. Check the tire pressure with all normal loads in the vehicle and with the tires cold. Refer to the vehicle certification (VC) label. Verify that all tires are sized to specification. Refer to «WHEELS AND TIRES»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) article. Inspect the tires for incorrect wear and damage. Refer to «WHEELS AND TIRES»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) article.
- Inspect chassis and underbody. Remove any excessive accumulation of mud, dirt or road deposits from the chassis and underbody.
- Inspect for aftermarket equipment. Check for aftermarket changes to the steering, suspension, wheel and tire components (such as competition, heavy duty, etc.) The specifications shown in this manual do not apply to vehicles equipped with aftermarket equipment. VISUAL INSPECTION CHART Mechanical Front wheel bearing(s) Loose or damaged front or rear suspension components Loose, damaged or missing suspension fastener(s) Incorrect spring usage Damaged or sagging spring(s) Damaged or leaking shock absorber(s) Worn or damaged suspension bushing(s) Loose, worn or damaged steering system components Damaged axle components
- If an obvious cause for an observed or reported condition is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
- If the fault is not visually evident, go to «Symptom Chart - Suspension System»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-information) or Go to «Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-information) .
Symptom Chart - Suspension System
| Condition | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Drift/pull | Unequal tire pressure | CHECK and ADJUST the tire pressure as necessary. |
| Tire forces | CROSS ROTATE tires side to side. REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES article for further tire related diagnosis. | |
| Camber total split is not within specification | CHECK the front camber and ADJUST as necessary. REFER to Camber and Caster Adjustment - Front . | |
| Caster total split is not within specification | CHECK the front caster and ADJUST as necessary. REFER the Camber and Caster Adjustment - Front . | |
| Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle | NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading. | |
| Steering components | REFER to STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for steering system diagnosis. | |
| Brake drag | REFER to BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for brake system diagnosis. | |
| Front bottoming or riding low | Front coil spring(s) | Install new spring(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. INSTALL front new spring(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
| Front shock absorber(s) | INSTALL new front shock absorber(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. | |
| Rear bottoming or riding low | Rear coil spring(s) | INSTALL new spring(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. INSTALL new rear spring(s) as necessary. REFER to REAR SUSPENSION article. |
| Rear shock absorbers | INSTALL new rear shock absorbers. REFER to REAR SUSPENSION article. | |
| Incorrect/abnormal tire wear | Underinflated tires Incorrect wheel alignment Incorrect wheel and tire assembly rotation intervals Excessive high speed cornering | REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES article for tire wear diagnosis. |
| Sticky steering, poor returnability | Front caster angle | CHECK the front caster and ADJUST as necessary. REFER to Camber and Caster Adjustment - Front . |
| Steering components | REFER to STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for steering system diagnosis. | |
| Ball joints | INSPECT the front ball joints. REFER to the Ball Joint Inspection Component Test. INSTALL new ball joints as necessary. | |
| Steering wheel off center | Unequal (side-to-side) front toe | CHECK the front toe and ADJUST as necessary. REFER to Toe Adjustment - Front . |
| Steering components | REFER to STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for steering system diagnosis. | |
| Sway or roll | Overloaded, unevenly or incorrectly loaded vehicle | NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading. |
| Loose wheel nut(s) | TIGHTEN to specification. REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES article. | |
| Shock absorber(s) | INSPECT the shock absorbers. INSTALL new shock absorber(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. | |
| Loose or worn stabilizer bar, links or bushings | INSPECT the stabilizer bar assemblies. TIGHTEN to specification or INSTALL new stabilizer bar components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. | |
| Damaged spring(s) | INSTALL new spring(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. | |
| Vehicle leans to one side | Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle | NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading. |
| Front or rear suspension components | INSPECT the front and rear suspension components. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. | |
| Spring(s) | Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. | |
| Wander | Excessive total toe-in/out | CHECK the front toe settings and ADJUST as necessary. REFER to Toe Adjustment - Front in this article |
| Unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle | NOTIFY the customer of incorrect vehicle loading. | |
| Steering components | REFER to STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for steering system diagnosis. | |
| Ball joint(s) | INSPECT the front ball joints. REFER to the Ball Joint Inspection Component Test. INSTALL new ball joints as necessary. | |
| Loose, worn or damaged front wheel bearing(s) | INSPECT the front wheel bearings. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. INSTALL new wheel bearing(s) as necessary. | |
| Worn or damaged front suspension component(s) | INSPECT and INSTALL new front suspension component(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. | |
| Loose suspension fasteners | TIGHTEN to specification. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
Symptom Chart - Suspension System
Symptom Chart - Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Note. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) symptoms should be identified using the diagnostic tools that are available. For a list of these tools, an explanation of their uses and a glossary of common terms, refer to NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS article. Since it is possible any one of multiple systems may be the cause of a symptom, it may be necessary to use a process of elimination type of diagnostic approach to pinpoint the responsible system. If this is not the causal system for the symptom, refer back to NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS article for the next likely system and continue diagnosis.
| Condition | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Squeak or grunt - noise from the front suspension, occurs more in cold ambient temperatures. More noticeable over rough roads or when turning | Front stabilizer bar insulators | Under these conditions, the noise is acceptable. CHECK TSBs. |
| Clunk - noise from the front suspension, occurs in and out of turns | Loose front shocks | INSPECT for shock absorber fasteners. TIGHTEN to specifications. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
| Clunk - noise from the rear suspension, occurs when shifting from REVERSE to DRIVE | Loose or damaged rear suspension components | INSPECT for loose or damaged rear suspension components. REPAIR or INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
| Click or pop - noise from the front suspension. More noticeable over rough roads or over bumps | Worn or damaged ball joint(s) | INSPECT the front ball joints. REFER to the Ball Joint Inspection Component Test. INSTALL new ball joints as necessary. |
| Front suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads | Loose or bent front shock absorber(s) Damaged spring or spring mount(s) Damaged or worn control/radius arm bushing(s) Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushings or link(s) | INSPECT the front suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
| Rear suspension noise - a squeak, creak or rattle noise. Occurs mostly over bumps or rough roads | Loose or bent rear shock absorber(s) Damaged spring or spring mount(s) Damaged or worn bushing(s) Worn or damaged stabilizer bar bushing(s) or link(s) | INSPECT the rear suspension. INSTALL new components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
| Shudder - occurs during acceleration from a slow speed or stop | Incorrect ride height causing incorrect driveline angle | REFER to DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for driveline angle diagnosis. |
| Shimmy | Loose wheel nut(s) | TIGHTEN the nut(s) to specification. REFER to WHEELS AND TIRES article. |
| Loose front suspension fastener(s) | TIGHTEN the fastener(s) to specification. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. | |
| Loose front wheel bearing(s) | INSPECT the front wheel bearing(s). Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. INSTALL new bearing(s) as necessary. | |
| Shock absorber(s) | INSTALL new shock absorbers as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. | |
| Shimmy - most noticeable on coast/deceleration. Also hard steering condition | Excessive positive caster | CHECK the front caster and ADJUST as necessary. REFER to Camber and Caster Adjustment - Front . |
| Rough/harsh ride | Shock absorber(s) | INSTALL new shock absorber(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
| Spring(s) | INSTALL new spring(s) as necessary. Refer to the appropriate Suspension article for the procedure. |
Symptom Chart - Noise/Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Ball Joint Inspection
- Prior to inspecting the ball joints for wear, inspect the wheel bearings. Refer to «NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/oem-general-information/#noise-vibration-and-harshness) article.
- Raise and support the vehicle by the frame to allow the wheels to hang in the rebound position.
- Inspect the ball joint and ball joint boot for damage. If the ball joint or ball joint boot is damaged, install a new ball joint as necessary. Refer to «FRONT SUSPENSION - REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD)»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system-rear-wheel-drive-rwd) article for rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicles and «FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system-four-wheel-drive-4wd) article for four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles.
- Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the wheel and tire assembly by hand. Note any relative vertical movement between the wheel knuckle and lower arm at the lower ball joint. If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint. If relative movement is found, continue with Step 5.
- To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the lower control arm and the wheel knuckle or ball joint stud.
- Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes up and pulls down on the wheel and tire assembly by hand. If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new ball joint must be installed. Refer to «FRONT SUSPENSION - REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD)»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system-rear-wheel-drive-rwd) article for RWD vehicles and «FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system-four-wheel-drive-4wd) article for 4WD vehicles. If the deflection meets the specification, continue with the procedure.
- Inspect the ball joint for relative movement by alternately pulling downward and pushing upward on the upper control arm by hand. Note any relative vertical movement between the wheel knuckle and upper arm at the upper ball joint. If relative movement is not felt or seen, the ball joint is OK. Do not install a new ball joint. If relative movement is found, continue with Step 8.
- To measure ball joint deflection, attach a suitable dial indicator with a flexible arm between the upper control arm and the wheel knuckle or ball joint stud.
- Measure the ball joint deflection while an assistant pushes up and then pulls down on the upper control arm by hand. If the deflection exceeds the specification, a new ball joint must be installed. For additional information, refer to «FRONT SUSPENSION - REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD)»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system-rear-wheel-drive-rwd) article for RWD vehicles and «FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system-four-wheel-drive-4wd) article for 4WD vehicles. If the deflection meets the specification, no further action is required.
Scheme 5
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ride height = A - B | |
| 2 | Measurement A | |
| 3 | Measurement B |
Note. Make sure that the vehicle is positioned on a flat, level surface and the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Vehicle should have a full tank of fuel.
- Position a suitable surface gauge (such as Starrett 57D Surface Gauge), on a flat, level surface and adjust the gauge's arm until the scriber point is located in the center of the lower arm inboard bolt. Lock the surface gauge in this position.
- With the surface gauge positioned on a flat, level surface, record the measurement of the surface gauge position (measurement A).
- Position the surface gauge on the same flat, level surface as used in Step 1, adjust the gauge's arm until the scriber point is located in the center of the shock absorber lower bolt. Lock the surface gauge in this position.
- With the surface gauge positioned on a flat, level surface, record the measurement of the surface gauge position (measurement B).
- Subtract measurement B from measurement A to obtain the front ride height. Refer to «SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-information) .
Scheme 6
| Item | Part Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ride height = A - B | |
| 2 | Measurement A | |
| 3 | Measurement B |
Note. Make sure that the vehicle is positioned on a flat, level surface and the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Vehicle should have a full tank of fuel.
- Measure the distance between the flat level surface and the center of the lower arm inboard bolt (measurement A).
- Measure the distance between the flat level surface and the center of the shock absorber lower bolt (measurement B).
- Subtract measurement B from measurement A to obtain the rear ride height. Refer to «SPECIFICATIONS»(/ford/explorer-sport-trac/ii-2006-2010/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-information) .
Camber and Caster Adjustment - Front
- Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, measure the front caster and camber.
- Loosen the upper arm bolt(s) and adjust the caster and camber settings. Refer to the following chart. When making adjustments that require moving both the front and the rear of the upper arm, move both ends of the arm equally. Adjustment Front of Upper Arm Rear of Upper Arm Increase caster Out In Decrease caster In Out Increase camber Out Out Decrease camber In In Increase caster and camber simultaneously Out - Decrease caster and camber simultaneously In
- Tighten the upper arm bolt(s) to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
- Remove and discard the LF lower control arm rearward nut.
- Install a new LF lower arm rearward nut.
- Position the LF lower arm until the caster split is within specification.
- Tighten the LF lower arm rearward nut to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
- Recheck the camber and caster, adjust as necessary.
- Check and, if necessary, adjust the front toe.
Toe Adjustment - Front
- Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, measure the front toe.
- Start the engine and center the steering wheel.
- Turn the engine OFF and, using a suitable holding device, lock the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.
- Remove the clamps.
- Loosen the tie-rod jam nuts.
- Rotate the front wheel inner tie rods until the toe setting is within specification.
- Tighten the tie-rod jam nuts to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
- Install the clamps.
- Recheck the toe settings and adjust if necessary.
Camber Adjustment - Rear
- Index-mark the upper arm inboard bolt to the frame.
- Remove and discard the upper arm inboard bolt and flagnut. Install a new non-flagnut.
- Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, measure the rear camber.
- Position the upper arm until the camber setting is within specification.
- Tighten the upper arm inboard nut to 250 Nm (185 lb-ft).
- Recheck the camber settings and adjust as necessary.
- Check and, if necessary, adjust the rear toe.
Toe Adjustment - Rear
- Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, measure the rear toe.
- Start the engine and center the steering wheel.
- Turn the engine OFF and, using a suitable holding device, lock the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.
- Loosen the rear toe link inboard nut.
- Rotate the rear toe link cam bolt until the toe setting is within specification.
- While holding the adjustment cam bolt, tighten the toe link inboard nut. Tighten to 275 Nm (202 lb-ft).
- Recheck the toe settings and adjust if necessary.
See also:
• WHEELS AND TIRES
• STEERING SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION
• BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION
• REAR SUSPENSION
• NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS
• DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION
• FRONT SUSPENSION - REAR WHEEL DRIVE (RWD)
• FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)
• Symptom Chart - Suspension System
• Camber and Caster Adjustment - Front
• Ball Joint Inspection
• Toe Adjustment - Front