A Broken Tool Means That Ford Must Recall 118 Explorers Over Loose Suspension

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A total of 118 Ford Explorers from the 2023 model year must be inspected over fears that their right lower knuckle-to-strut fastener may be improperly torqued, or missing completely. The recall stems from a production issue relating to the tool used to tighten these fasteners.

Ford first became aware of this issue on January 9, when it received a report of a missing fastener on a 2023 Explorer. The report came from the warranty claims department and, in its investigation, the automaker discovered that the tool normally used to tighten these fasteners offline on December 19, 2023.

The primary double spindle fixture tool was in need of repairs, so Ford’s Chicago plant used a backup tool in its place. In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the company describes it as a “clicker wrench.”

That sounds like a much lower tech tool than a “double spindle fixture tool,” and indeed, it was unable to record torque levels in the vehicles that passed through its factory area while it was in use.

As a result, Ford is unable to check its production records to see if the 118 Explorers it is recalling were torqued to the correct level. If they aren’t the fastener could fall out, which could lead the tire camber to change suddenly. That could lead to pulling and changes in steering effort, which could lead to an accident.

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Moreover, if the brake hose comes into contact with the tire, it may form a leak, which could lead to a decrease in braking performance, and an increase in the risk of a crash. Customers may notice a pull, a sudden change in the amount of effort it takes to steer their vehicle, and may even be able to spot an issue, if their right wheel appears to be leaning in at the top at a greater angle than the left wheel.

In order to remedy this situation, Ford is launching a recall campaign, and will start reaching out to owners on March 4. They will be asked to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the strut inspected, and tightened to the correct torque, as necessary. Lincoln Aviator owners need not worry about this recall, because their struts are designed differently.