2020-2025 Ford Explorer 20-Inch Polished Wheel Guide: Cracks, Corrosion & Replacement

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Wheel

Damage to a wheel can compromise vehicle safety and performance. It's important to recognize the signs of a failing wheel to address the issue before it leads to a more serious problem.

• Vibration or Shaking: A bent wheel is often the cause of vibrations that can be felt in the steering wheel or through the seats. This shaking may become more noticeable at higher speeds.
• Constant Air Loss in One Tire: If you have a tire that repeatedly loses air pressure, it could be due to a small crack in the wheel or a bend in the rim that prevents a proper seal with the tire bead.
• Visible Damage: Obvious signs of damage include cracks (especially around the spokes or lug nuts), bends or dents in the rim (often from hitting potholes), and significant curb rash.
• Pulling to One Side: A severely bent wheel can affect the vehicle's alignment, causing it to pull to the left or right.
• Unusual Noises: Grinding, humming, or roaring noises can sometimes be related to a bad wheel bearing, which can be caused or exacerbated by an out-of-balance or damaged wheel.
• Cosmetic Finish Failure: A common issue with polished, clear-coated wheels is filiform corrosion, which looks like white, milky lines or spiderwebs under the clear coat. This starts when the clear coat is chipped or scratched, allowing moisture and road salt to get underneath.

Buying a Used 2020-2025 Explorer Wheel

Purchasing a used OEM wheel can be a cost-effective alternative to buying new, but careful inspection is crucial to ensure you get a safe and reliable part.

What to Inspect on a Used Wheel

• Check for Cracks: This is the most critical inspection. Pay close attention to the area around the lug nut holes, where the spokes meet the rim, and on the back side of the wheel. Even a small crack can compromise the wheel's structural integrity.
• Look for Bends: Place the wheel on a flat surface to check for obvious wobbles. Inspect both the inner and outer lip of the rim for any signs of being bent. A professional tire shop can use a wheel balancer to detect subtle bends that are not visible to the naked eye.
• Inspect for Welds or Repairs: Look for any signs of previous repairs, such as welding marks on the front or back of the wheel. While some repairs can be done professionally, an unknown repair history is a significant red flag.
• Examine the Finish: For these polished aluminum wheels, check for peeling clear coat and corrosion underneath. While cosmetic, severe corrosion can sometimes indicate deeper issues and may prevent the tire from sealing properly if it's on the bead seating area.
• Verify the Part Number: Ensure the wheel has the correct OEM part number stamped on the back. The primary service part number is LB5Z-1007-C. You may also see the engineering number LB5C1007D1A.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

While there are no specific recalls for this particular wheel, the 2020-2025 Ford Explorer has been subject to several recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to the suspension and drivetrain that are important for owners to be aware of.

• Rear Axle Bolt Fracture: A significant recall (NHTSA #22V-255, Ford #22S27) was issued for 2020-2022 Explorers due to a rear axle horizontal mounting bolt that could fracture. This could cause the driveshaft to disconnect, resulting in a loss of power or the vehicle rolling away while in park. While not directly a wheel issue, it is a critical safety concern for the rear drivetrain assembly.
• Suspension Noises: TSB 25-2121 was issued for a clicking or popping noise from the front end during low-speed turns, related to the front upper strut mounts.

No widespread issues of premature cracking or failure have been reported for this specific wheel, but corrosion of the polished finish is a common complaint for this type of wheel across many vehicles, especially in areas that use road salt in the winter.

Replacement and Installation

Replacing a wheel is a straightforward task that most DIYers can perform.

• Difficulty: 1/5
• Estimated Time: 0.5 hours
• Tools Needed: Jack, jack stands, lug wrench, torque wrench.

Key Installation Step: Torque Specification

The single most important step is to tighten the lug nuts to the correct torque specification using a calibrated torque wrench. For the 2020-2025 Ford Explorer, the lug nut torque is 150 lb-ft (204 Nm). Always tighten the lug nuts in a star or crisscross pattern to ensure the wheel is seated evenly against the hub.

Cost Comparison

The cost for this wheel can vary significantly depending on the source and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)