Suspension
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
What Owners Say
"The front end made noise like something was going break."
James R., NC (2003 Ford Explorer Limited 4.5-L V8)"Noticed steering was not as precise as before. Had vehicle checked by mechanic & determined that ball joints were worn. At 118k miles I feel that this is normal maintenance."
Anonymous, PA (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"Had to be replaced, they were worn."
Anonymous, OR (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"They just wore out at130000 miles"
Anonymous, (2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0-L V6)"They were worn out after 200000 miles"
Anonymous, CT (2003 Ford Explorer 4.0-L V6)"I feel the ball joints had premature wear. Adding grease joints would help alleviate the problem"
James L., SC (2003 Ford Explorer Limited 4.0-L V6)"I had major suspension problems which required almost 6,000 worth of work. I seriously considered junking the vehicle but I was very happy with it till then and can now say I am happy I did make the investment"
Eric O., BC (2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0-L V6)"had popping noise, replaced ball joints"
Anonymous, TX (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"The ball joints were worn out and the assembly is one piece so I couldn't replace just the ball joints. The cost was around $550 for both up front"
Anonymous, NC (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"The ball joints were worn and had to be replaced"
Anonymous, CT (2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0-L V6)"the bushings system has been replaced twice since I bought the vehicle"
C M., NJ (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"Fluid has to be added on a regular basis to enable power steering."
Lynne V., NJ (2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.5-L V8)"Power steering pump failed and had to be replaced"
Terry K., TX (2003 Ford Explorer XLS 4.0-L V6)"Could feel vibration in the car body at speeds above 60 mph. Replaced all four struts (bottom 3/4" bolt in one was seized and very difficult to remove - drilled & cut it out, new one is $85, junk yard one was $2). Also replaced rear tie rod bushing which had disintagrated."
Anonymous, NC (2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0-L V6)"see previous comments re major suspension work"
Eric O., BC (2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0-L V6)"Broken rear spring. Needed replacement"
Anonymous, MN (2003 Ford Explorer Limited 4.0-L V6)"Torsion bars started to fail at 90,000 km. Replaced. Required replacement is needed again now"
Kim H., AB (2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0-L V6)"2 rear springs broken in 2 places on each spring"
Anonymous, FL (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"A small plastic bushing on the steering rod wore out and broke. The steering wheel wobbled. Ford does not have a replacement part nor do they sell the entire steering assy. I had to go to a salvage yard and cannibalize parts to fix the steering."
Anonymous, VA (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"Steering linkage has suddenly began catching as the steering wheel is turned. It takes more force to turn the wheel. Happens at all speeds and circumstances. Over the last two weeks the car has become undrivable"
Anonymous, VA (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"Noticed loose handling at highway speeds. Investigation revealed worn ball joints (discussed previously) And worn tie rod ends. I feel that this is acceptable wear with 118k on the vehicle. Replaced worn parts, vehicle now handles perfectly."
Anonymous, PA (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"tie rod was also replaced"
Anonymous, TX (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"The whole front end wore out seemingly at one time and the car was driving erratically. Fortunately I brought it in for a very expensive repair job before an accident occurred"
Keith G., NJ (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"Front end had a wabol"
James R., NC (2003 Ford Explorer Limited 4.5-L V8)"All 4 wheel bearings failed and had to be replaced at major expense"
Anonymous, TX (2003 Ford Explorer XLS 4.0-L V6)"Made a loud roaring noise from rear. Had both replaced. Also had the front ones replaced. Should be a recall"
Anonymous, NY (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"The passenger wheel bearing hub had to be replaced due to wear and tear. This was done along with a tire rotation, balance and alignment. The vehicle is now in excellent condition"
Joseph V., NY (2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0-L V6)"Both rear wheel bearings went out prematurely. On the left side, the axle had to be cut out sine it was so rusted to put in the new bearings"
Dennis-Ellen S., CO (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"Looks like I have to replace the bearings every other year. Even with major brand USge"
Anonymous, OH (2003 Ford Explorer XLS 4.0-L V6)"rear wheel bearings need replacement about ever 4 years"
Anonymous, WA (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"Replaced rt front wheel bearing 3 times"
Anonymous, FL (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0-L V6)"Noisy bearings"
Andy H., ON (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.5-L V8)"This explorer platform is notorious for left front wheel bearings going bad. I replace L Drivers Side with high quality parts almost annually"
Robert S., PA (2003 Ford Explorer NBX 4.5-L V8)"The mechanic who fixed the spark plug also fixed the bearings because of two broken studs on the right front wheel. He stated that these bearings often fail. and these will likely fail within 2-3 years also, OEM parts"
Anonymous, KY (2003 Ford Explorer XLT 4.5-L V8)"Have replaced the rear wheel bearings several times.(at least twice on each side).First one went when car was only 6 yeas old"
Mike R., MI (2003 Ford Explorer XLS 4.0-L V6)
"When the ball-joint job was done, the shims were not put in and threw off the front-end alignment resulting in steering being off center. Once an alignment was performed the steering was centered"
Anonymous, CT (2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0-L V6)