1998 Ford Explorer Suspension

1998 FORD EXPLORER
207,000 MILES • 5.0L • V6 • RWD • AUTOMATIC
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OHYEA
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When slowly driving and turning into the V shaped dip where water goes when it rains. The car always goes bounce left to right hard like I am about to be thrown out of the seat till I speed up but when I don't drive slow into it, it doesn't bounce vigorously maybe just once. What can it be? Thanks.
Sep 20, 2015 at 3:44 PM
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OHYEA
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It is a 4.0L
Sep 20, 2015 at 3:45 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Check for a bad tie rod on the front end. Actually, you should check all steering components. If it pulls left or right, my guess is one of the tie rods is really loose allowing the wheel to turn a bit and causing what you feel.

Do that first and let me know what you find. NOTE: If I am correct and it is loose, you really shouldn't drive it until it's fixed. Also, make sure the ball joints are good.
Sep 20, 2015 at 6:23 PM
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OHYEA
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Hello, well I checked tie rods and they are not loose, also the car doesn't drag to one direction.
Sep 25, 2015 at 7:20 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Have you checked the tracking bar bushings? Does it only happen when you hit certain road conditions?
Oct 1, 2015 at 4:26 PM
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OHYEA
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I am not sure what those are or where. Yes, it shakes/bounces right to left when I drive into the street drains (turning into them) and they are V shaped somewhat.
Oct 1, 2015 at 4:30 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I just looked for a pic and realized they didn't use them in 98. There has to be something loose on the front. Are you certain the control arm bushings are tight?
Oct 1, 2015 at 4:53 PM
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OHYEA
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I'll inspect and get back to you.
Oct 1, 2015 at 4:55 PM