Please forgive my ignorance for knowing nothing about the mechanics of a vehicle. I own a 2001 Ford Expedition with over 110,000 miles on it. For the most part, I love this SUV. I love/loved the ride, and would purchase another.

Here's my problem; Over 10 months ago, I started noticing an instability when driving the SUV, at higher speeds. The more and more I let it go, the worse and worse it got. It feels like the SUV pulls in directions without me steering in those directions. I have to compensate just to get it back on track. Also, when I slow down, after driving at a high speed, there is a vibration, with every rotation of the tires. While you're slowing down, and go to make a turn, the vibration becomes worse. It feels like it's coming from the left driver's side tire, or area. Also, I do hear a popping noise, as I'm turning. Now I've researched as much as I could, and have found posts about how it might be the CV joints, or upper and lower ball joints. I took my SUV to the same idiotic mechanic, and he insists nothing is wrong with it. I've asked him to take it on a high speed test drive, just so he knows what I'm feeling on the road. He said he's done that, but I don't trust him. I travel a lot, for work, and do not like being on the highway, with this vehicle. It feels like the tire will break off at any moment. I haven't taken it to a Ford dealership, only because I trusted my mechanic, and thought I could save some money, by taking it to him.

Also some background; Over a year ago, while I was driving my truck, something was heard popping, and the steering became very very mushy. I was close to a Pro Care center, and took it there. They said my power steering pump went bad, and replaced it. Not soon after that, is when I started noticing all of this. Also, what I failed to mention, above, is that I was told by Jiffy Lube, that I'm leaking power steering fluid. I've checked the resevoir, and do not see any fluid loss. Again, I'm totally ignorant when it comes to how an SUV or car, works. The Pro Care that did the work, is no longer in business, in my area.

If anyone can point me to what might be the cause, I'd be more than appreciative. Thanks!

 

I had an '01 Expy and right around 100K it needed the lower ball joint and steering knuckle replaced because of a "loose" feel and a metal on metal noise when driving over uneven surfaces. When i jacked the front end up I could literally jiggle the front wheels up and down and side to side. Ball joints where very loose and needed replacing. A combination of these things will make the tire not track correctly making steering difficult. Mine was still under warranty so it wasn't that big of a deal. However, a friend of mine who is a ford mechanic told me that these cars have all sorts of front suspension problems with high mileage.

As far as the vibration you described when slowing down, that sounds like rotors. If you are still on the original rotors at 110K replace them. I found a great deal on ebay on a good name brand rotor set and replace mine myself. Easy job.

Given that your mechanic says nothing is wrong and you obviously have some sound symptoms I'd go get a few estimates at other shops and the dealership. You might have to spend $50 or $100 to get a diagnosis, but the you can decide if you can do the job yourself. One good thing about these cars is that they are easy to work on.

 

I really appreciate the quick response!! About 18 months ago, I snapped a brake line, while at high speed, and had to have the entire brake line changed. At that same time, I had my rotors and brakes replaced. The rotors are 18 months old, and the brakes had to be changed again, in February. You're definitely right about the metal on metal scraping!! That's exactly the feel I get, while driving. I wish I knew how to work on cars. I even bought one of those Ford Expedition Manuals, that show you how to do things. I'm planning on taking it to a few shops. I'm just afraid that I'll get taken for a ride, since I haven't a clue!!! Again, thank you for your response!