Ford Explorer 4

Back in the early 1990s, the Ford Explorer became one of the most popular family cars. All this time, Explorer has not changed the classic appearance, which is strict, concise and not contaminated with fantastic design. The fourth-generation frame SUV is one of the best in terms of cargo and towing capabilities (up to 3,300 kg), while ensuring proper comfort and safety. It is not well adapted to off-road, but it does a good job of towing a small boat or trailer with an ATV. Independent rear suspension adds stability and handling. The explorer drives better than most competitors, but not as agile as modern crossovers. In corners there are large rolls, and reactions to fast rotations with the steering wheel are delayed. In general, responsiveness, accuracy and sense of steering are acceptable, inspire confidence and brakes. The Explorer IV is much more flexible and stable than previous versions. The Advance Trac stability control system is standard. There is also a function of monitoring the trailer Trailer Sway. During the trailer towing, the Advance Trac and Roll Stability (rollover prevention) systems retain control of the car. While the finishing materials collect mixed reviews, the build quality is impressive. The cabin is quiet and pleasant even on rough roads. The top versions will include cruise control, an entertainment DVD system and climate control for rear passengers. There is also a folding third row of seats, increasing the number of seats to seven. The gallery is comfortable even for adults. It’s a pity that rear-view cameras aren’t here, and rear parking sensors were available as an option. Ford did a great job on safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has subjected the SUV to a full range of tests and assigned the perfect five-star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), on the other hand, considered side impact protection to be insufficiently flawless, assigning a rating “acceptable” in this discipline.

Engines

In the line of power units, there are only two engines: a 4-liter V6 (210 hp) and a 4.6-liter V8 (296 hp). Both are petrol atmospheric. The V6 versions are noisier, because to drive such a heavy car, you have to constantly unwind the engine. However, none of the engines are impressive acceleration. The engines have a chain-type valve timing drive, which often brings 4-liter units after 200-250 thousand km. Most often, the tensioners are destroyed, and plastic fragments are in the crankcase. The chains are located in the front and in the rear, so the motor has to be removed to replace them. The cost of the original set of the RRM is about 35 000 rubles, and the total costs reach 100-120 thousand rubles. It is better to install only the original, as it is guaranteed to last more than 200,000 km, unlike analogues that are surrendered after 50,000 km. The engine capacity of 4.6 liters after 300,000 km sometimes needs to be replaced by worn camshafts. The reason for the lack of lubrication is the result of wear of phase rotators and solenoids (a sounding noise appears). With timely replacement of the last problems with camshafts does not occur. Almost all owners of cars with V8 went through the replacement of the studs of the exhaust manifold. They stretch and burst through 150-200 thousand km. In this case, in the first minutes after the start of the cold engine, a characteristic sound of cutting or resembling a creak, grinding or knocking appears. The cost of repairing the defect depends on the location of the stud breakage. Some of them cannot be removed without removing the engine. This is the most expensive layout costing 30,000 rubles.

Transmission

The 4-liter version was equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and 4.6-liter units were combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission. the 6-band automatic machine works more smoothly and reacts faster to pressing the gas pedal. the 5-speed Ford / Mazda 5R55E / S automatic machine often has to be repaired after 180-200 thousand km. The solenoid block fails, the reverse tape is destroyed, modulating valves, a hydrotransformer, pump bushings, brake belt and packages wear out. Sometimes even cracks are found in the body of automatic transmissions - on the walls of the grid of hydraulic channels. For the "beu" the body will have to pay about 25 000 rubles. In other cases, to restore the efficiency of the automatic transmission will need 50-100 thousand rubles. The 6-speed Ford 6R is based on the German ZF 6HP26 box. The American version is distinguished by a hydroblock and solenoids of its own design. The 6R60 was used until 2008, and the 6R80 since 2009. The machine is quite tenacious. With regular oil replacement and gentle operating conditions, automatic transmission confidently overcomes the 250,000 km threshold. Complaints about tremors are a common phenomenon that can usually be eliminated by updating the software. When contacting the service, you have to change the bushings, drum, hydrotransformer, frictions, solenoid or hydroblock in the collection. The basic modifications of the Ford Explorer 4 for the American market were rear-wheel drive. Official cars of Russian designation were exclusively all-wheel drive. The front axle is connected automatically when the rear wheels are slipped.

Walking

The upper ball support wears out at a distance of 120-180 thousand km. The lower leg usually lasts longer. Silent blocks of levers nurse up to 150-200 thousand km.

A similar resource for shock absorbers (6-8 thousand rubles) and hub bearings. The front bearings are changed in assembly with the hub, and the rear - separately. Originals are quite expensive – 25 000 and 9 000 rubles, respectively. But they will still serve as much. The resource of analogues rarely exceeds 20-60 thousand km.

Body and salon

Body iron is not prone to corrosion. However, the oldest copies appear "bugs" at the bottom of the doors and in the area of the rear wheel arches. It is worth noting that the wings and hood are made of aluminum.

When searching for Explorer, you should pay attention to the number embossed on the frame - located in the area of the right front door. If it is not protected, then most likely the rust has already begun to attack it.

Over time, the glazing of the taillights melts. The problem is only “European” versions. The optics of the American cars feel great.

After 150-200 thousand km, the mechanism of the rear windshield wiper drive acidifies. It is enough to disassemble, clean and lubricate.

After 100-150 thousand km, the illumination of the dashboard burns out. In the service for work will ask 2-3 thousand rubles. If the lighting of the tape recorder burns out, then repair will be more difficult - it is necessary to solder the resistors on the board.

Other problems and malfunctions

In the area of 100-200 thousand km often begins to leak the tee of the heater - cracking plastic case. The original costs 2,000 rubles, but it may soon flow again. An unusual solution is a tee from a plumbing store for 50-100 rubles.

After 6-10 years, the tubes of the rear circuit of the air conditioning system are almost guaranteed to rot. Many simply "stun" the rear circuit (about 6000 rubles). Replacing rotten tubes with more durable hoses will cost 20,000 rubles.

With age, the actuator and gears of the drive of the climate valves wear out.

After 150-200 thousand km, the generator may require attention - brushes, contact rings, bearings or a diode bridge wear out. Repairs will cost 4-6 thousand rubles.

Engines

• Most often, the tensioners are destroyed, and plastic fragments are in the crankcase.
• The reason for the lack of lubrication is the result of wear of phase rotators and solenoids (a sounding noise appears).
• With timely replacement of the last problems with camshafts does not occur.
• In this case, in the first minutes after the start of the cold engine, a characteristic sound of cutting or resembling a creak, grinding or knocking appears.
• The radiator (20 000 rubles) can flow after 150-200 thousand km.
• Km the pulley of the crankshaft of V-shaped "sixes" (from 15 000 rubles) is destroyed.
• Often, electrical wiring also fails - the insulation dries up, or the vein rots inside.
• Most often, the problem affects the MAF sensor, lambda probes, throttle, gearbox, dispenser and fan clutch.

Transmission

• 5-speed automatic Ford / Mazda 5R55E / S often have to repair after 180-200 thousand km.
• The solenoid block fails, the reverse tape is destroyed, modulating valves, a hydrotransformer, pump bushings, brake belt and packages wear out.
• Sometimes even cracks are found in the body of automatic transmissions - on the walls of the grid of hydraulic channels.
• The coils of the front and rear bridge can flow through 150-200 thousand km.
• km there is a stretching of the chain in the distribution and wear of stars. Complete repairs cost 50-70 thousand rubles.
• After a while, the SRUS of the front driveshaft fails.

Body and salon

• Body iron is not prone to corrosion.
• When searching for Explorer, you should pay attention to the number embossed on the frame - located in the area of the right front door.
• If it is not protected, then most likely the rust has already begun to attack it.
• If the lighting of the tape recorder burns out, then repair will be more difficult - it is necessary to solder the resistors on the board.

Other problems and malfunctions

• The original costs 2,000 rubles, but it may soon flow again.
• After 6-10 years, the tubes of the rear circuit of the air conditioning system are almost guaranteed to rot.
• Replacing rotten tubes with more durable hoses will cost 20,000 rubles.
• km may require attention generator - wear brushes, contact rings, bearings or diode bridge. Repairs will cost 4-6 thousand rubles.

The Ford Explorer IV is not the cheapest car to buy. Characteristic malfunctions are not so terrible, but repairs are sometimes expensive.

• Engines: Most often, tensioners are destroyed, and plastic fragments are in the crankcase.
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic Ford / Mazda 5R55E / S often have to repair after 180-200 thousand km.
• Chasing: The upper ball support wears out at a distance of 120-180 thousand km.
• Body and salon: Body iron is not prone to corrosion.
• Other problems and malfunctions: The original costs 2,000 rubles, but it may soon leak again.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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