# 2015 Ford Explorer - Knuckle issues

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/2015-ford-explorer-knuckle-issues/164585>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** ford\
**Created:** [May 20, 2020, 1:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2015-ford-explorer-knuckle-issues/164585 "2020-05-20T01:24:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Greg42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bc8723/32.png) [@Greg42](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Greg42)\
**Post date:** [May 20, 2020, 1:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2015-ford-explorer-knuckle-issues/164585/1 "2020-05-20T01:24:44Z")

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Ford Explorer Rear Suspension Issues:  
Hello, I have a 2015 Ford Explorer with 152,000 miles. I bought it brand  
new and travel a lot to construction job sites throughout the state. I have  
always kept up with oil changes and scheduled maintenance. The dealer I  
bought it at in Green Bay had an excellent maintenance department and  
other than rotors and under-sized OEM brake pads I’ve had no troubles.  
Then we move to Madison and it is a different Ford dealership.  
In August of 2019 Ford recalled the rear suspension toe link which was  
labeled Repair # 19S17 and covered it under warranty.  
During the recall work the dealer’s mechanic (Madison dealer) said I  
needed extra work to be done (not covered under the recall) – a  
replacement of the upper control arm bushing - $551.98 and also replace  
rear brake pads and rotors - $489.03. I had him perform the extra work.  
This week, when I went in for my scheduled oil change & systems check,  
the dealer mechanic recommended replacing both rear knuckles –  
estimated at $1,580. The mechanic didn’t actually talk to me, he relayed  
the message to the service desk person. I didn’t have time to talk to the  
mechanic, however, when I asked for more information, I was told: “Well,  
cars are expensive to repair, etc.”  
I realize I now am entering higher mileage and more repair or preventive  
work will start to be needed but I miss my other mechanic who is 150 miles  
away.  
Questions: How do I know if I really need the knuckles replaced?  
Wouldn’t the “rear knuckles” have been replaced with the rear  
suspension repair of August 2019? If not, why not?  
How many miles do knuckles typically last?  
How often does something like a knuckle need replacing?  
What are some worst-case scenarios that could happen if I wait  
to replace these knuckles?  
What can I do to calm my wife down about driving on  
“borrowed” time with questionable knuckles?  
Any direction you can provide would be appreciated!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\
**Post date:** [May 20, 2020, 4:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2015-ford-explorer-knuckle-issues/164585/2 "2020-05-20T04:46:16Z")

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Get a second opinion from an independent mechanic. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\
**Post date:** [May 21, 2020, 1:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2015-ford-explorer-knuckle-issues/164585/3 "2020-05-21T13:57:31Z")

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I think the mechanic really meant rear bearings, not knuckles. At 152K miles that would not be unreasonable. As for the cost, the bearings run about $140 each and a lot of stuff needs to come off to replace them.

Also, the rear knuckles have 4 bushings in them that may also need replacing. It may be less labor (and cost) to replace the entire knuckle than the 4 individual bushings.

But the dealer should have been able to explain all of that.

And no, these would not have been replaced with the recall.