Ford F150 Shaking when Accelerating (Main Causes Explained)

You may have noticed that your Ford F150 is shaking when you accelerate. This can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue, as it can affect the handling and control of your vehicle. In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of this issue and how to troubleshoot and fix it.

F150 Shaking when Accelerating Causes

There are several potential causes for shaking when accelerating in a Ford F150. Some common causes include:

1. Bad CV Joints:

Bad CV joints can cause your F150 to shake when accelerating. If you hear a clicking noise when driving over bumps, this may be an indication that your CV joints are worn out. CV joints on your F150 are responsible for transferring power from the drive shaft to the wheels. If your CV joints are worn out, they will not transfer power efficiently. This can cause your vehicle to shake when accelerating and driving over bumps.

2. Loose Wheel Bearings:

Wheel bearings are responsible for holding your wheels in place and allowing them to rotate freely. If your wheel bearings are worn out, they will not hold your tires tightly against the hub of your F150. This can cause your vehicle to shake when accelerating and driving over bumps.

3. Failing Motor Mounts:

Motor mounts are what connect your engine to your vehicle frame. They help absorb vibrations and keep the engine secure in place as it operates. If your motor mounts are worn out, they will not hold your F150’s drivetrain firmly in place as a result, you will likely experience vibrations and shaking when idling and accelerating.

4. Bad U joints:

U joints are what connect your drive shaft to your transmission and differential. They allow for the movement of each part while still keeping them firmly connected. If they are worn out, they will not hold your wheels tightly against the hub of your F150. These are known to fail on this pickup truck and can cause some vibrations.

5. Engine Misfire:

Another common cause of vibrations and shaking on your F150 is an engine misfire. This means that one of the cylinders on your engine is not firing properly, engine misfires are commonly caused by bad spark plugs, or a bad ignition coil. If you notice that your F150 is shaking or vibrating when you step on the brakes, it could be due to one of these issues.

6. Poor Wheel Alignment:

If you have a vibration or shake on your F150 and you’ve checked all of the above, then it’s possible that your wheels are not in alignment. This means that the tires are not sitting perfectly flat against the hub of your pickup truck.

Potential Fixes for a Shaking Ford F150

If you are experiencing a shaking Ford F150, there are several potential fixes. Some of these include:

1. Check the Tires (Condition & Alignment):

If you notice that your Ford F150 is shaking, it could be due to a problem with your tires. This might include cracks or cuts in the tires, which would prevent them from gripping the road properly. If this is the case, you will need to replace your tires. Another potential issue with your tires is improper alignment. If your wheels are not sitting flat against the hub of your pickup truck because they are out of alignment this can be fixed by taking your truck for a wheel alignment.

2. Check U Joints and Cv Joints

If the tires are in condition and the alignment is correct, then there may be a problem with your U joints or CV joints. These are both parts of the drivetrain that allow your Ford F150 to move smoothly while turning corners. If these components are damaged, they will need to be replaced. You can have a mechanic check the condition of these and have them replaced if they’re bad.

3. Bad Motor Mounts

The motor mounts are the pieces of rubber or metal that connect your engine to the body of your truck. If these have deteriorated due to age or wear, they may need replacement. This can cause a vibration in your vehicle when you’re driving at high speeds or turning corners.