Ford Explorer Repair in Salt Lake City, UT
The Ford Explorer is one of the most common family SUVs we see at our South Salt Lake shop — from older body-on-frame V8 models to the current unibody EcoBoost-powered Explorers. With Utah families using them for school runs, canyon trips, and mountain getaways, we know exactly how these SUVs age along the Wasatch Front.
Full-Service Ford Explorer Repair — All Generations, All Trims
We service all Ford Explorer generations at our South Salt Lake shop — every drivetrain from rear-wheel-drive V8s to all-wheel-drive EcoBoost models. Every visit starts with a free diagnosis so you know exactly what your Explorer needs before we touch it.
Have questions about your specific Ford Explorer? Give us a call or send a quick text — we're happy to help.
Why Ford Explorer Drivers Choose Scott's Auto
When the SUV that hauls your family needs work, you want a shop that's straight with you. Ford dealers charge dealer rates and put a service-writer layer between you and the mechanic. At Scott's, one mechanic diagnoses and repairs your Explorer, and you get a clear explanation and a written estimate before anything begins.
35 Years on Ford SUVs
We've serviced Explorers since the model launched in 1990 — body-on-frame V8s through current EcoBoost crossovers. That platform history means a faster, more accurate diagnosis.
We Know the 3.5L V6 Water Pump
On 5th-gen Explorers the 3.5L V6 water pump is internally driven by the timing chain — a labor-intensive job that, if neglected and it fails, can dump coolant into the engine. We know this repair and catch it before it becomes catastrophic.
Family-Vehicle Safety Focus
An Explorer carries your family, so we don't cut corners on brakes, suspension, and cooling. Every diagnosis includes a safety-minded inspection so nothing important gets missed.
Free Diagnosis on Every Explorer
We road test, scan for codes, and inspect your Explorer before recommending anything. You know what's wrong and what it costs before we start. No diagnostic fee.
When to Bring Your Ford Explorer In
We've been servicing Ford Explorers at our South Salt Lake shop since the model launched in 1990 — from 4.0L V6 body-on-frame SUVs to current EcoBoost crossovers. When an Explorer comes in, we road test it, scan for codes, and inspect the cooling, brake, and suspension systems before recommending anything. The issues below are the ones we see most consistently across Explorer generations. If yours shows any of these signs, bring it in and we'll tell you exactly what's going on — no charge for the diagnosis.
3.5L V6 Water Pump Failure
The 3.5L V6 in 5th-gen Explorers uses an internal water pump driven by the timing chain. When it wears out, coolant can leak into the engine oil — and the repair requires significant disassembly. Watch for coolant loss with no visible external leak, milky oil, or overheating. We diagnose this accurately and recommend service before a failing pump causes engine damage.
Learn more →Brake Wear from City and Canyon Use
A loaded Explorer is hard on brakes, and canyon descents accelerate that wear. Pedal pulsation, grinding, squealing, or longer stopping distances all mean the pads or rotors are due. We service the full brake system — pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid — sized for a family SUV's weight.
Learn more →Timing Chain Wear on High-Mileage Engines
Explorer V6 engines can develop timing chain stretch and worn guides as mileage climbs, particularly with stretched oil change intervals. A metallic rattle on cold startup is the early warning. Left alone, a worn chain can jump timing and cause major engine damage. We inspect the chain, guides, and tensioners and replace them before that happens.
Learn more →Worn Suspension and a Bouncy Ride
High-mileage Explorers develop worn struts and shocks along with tired bushings and ball joints. If yours floats over bumps, nose-dives when braking, or clunks on rough roads, the suspension is worn. We inspect the full system and replace struts, shocks, and worn components to restore a stable, controlled ride.
Learn more →Clicking From a Worn CV Joint
On all-wheel-drive Explorers, a rhythmic clicking when turning — most noticeable at low speed in parking lots — points to a worn CV joint. The protective boot cracks, grease escapes, grit gets in, and the joint wears. We replace the complete axle shaft for a durable, lasting repair rather than just repacking the boot.
Learn more →Loud Exhaust and Rusted Components
Utah's salted winter roads rot out Explorer exhaust pipe sections, hangers, and connections. A sudden change in exhaust tone or a rattle from underneath usually means a cracked or rusted-through section. We diagnose the leak and repair or replace the affected exhaust components.
Learn more →Who to Trust for Ford Explorer Repair in South Salt Lake
Scott's Auto & Clutch Repair has been independently owned and operating at the same South Salt Lake location since 1990. We're not a chain and there's no service-advisor layer — the mechanic who diagnoses your Explorer is the one who repairs it. For the SUV that carries your family, that direct accountability means honest estimates and someone who stands behind the work.
We've worked on Explorers from every era — 4.0L body-on-frame V6s, 4.6L V8 models, and the current EcoBoost crossovers. Whether yours needs a water pump, brakes, a timing chain inspection, or just an honest answer about a noise, you'll get a straight assessment and a written estimate before we start.
How We Work With Ford Explorer Drivers
Tell Us What Your Explorer Is Doing
Describe the noise, the warning light, the way it rides or brakes, or the scheduled service you need. The more detail you give us, the faster we can pin down the problem.
Free Diagnostic Inspection
We road test your Explorer, scan for stored codes, check fluid condition, and inspect the cooling, brake, and suspension systems — before recommending a single repair.
We Explain What We Found
Plain language, no jargon. You get a written estimate covering exactly what your Explorer needs, what it costs, and why. Nothing starts until you approve it.
Only the Work Your Explorer Needs
We fit the right OEM-spec parts for your Explorer and don't upsell. If a repair can safely wait, we tell you and note it so you can plan ahead.
Road Test and Walkthrough at Pickup
We verify the repair under real driving conditions — brakes, ride, and cooling — before you pick up. At pickup we walk you through what was done and what to watch for.
Where to Find Us — Ford Explorer Repair in South Salt Lake
Scott's Auto & Clutch Repair is located at 144 W Crystal Ave in South Salt Lake — centrally positioned in the valley, within 15 minutes of most Salt Lake City zip codes. Easy to reach from I-15, serving Ford Explorer drivers from Millcreek, Murray, Draper, Sandy, West Jordan, Taylorsville, and across the greater Salt Lake area.
Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Phone
Common Ford Explorer Repairs & Services
Water Pump Replacement
3.5L V6 internal water pump service before coolant contaminates the oil and damages the engine. View serviceBrake Service
Pads, rotors, and caliper service sized for a loaded family SUV and Wasatch canyon descents. View serviceTiming Chain Service
High-mileage V6 chain, guide, and tensioner replacement before cold-start rattle becomes damage. View serviceStrut Replacement
Front strut and rear shock service to restore a stable, controlled ride on high-mileage Explorers. View serviceCV Joint Repair
Complete axle shaft replacement for clicking on turns on all-wheel-drive Explorers. View serviceComplete Auto Service
Full diagnostic, fluid service, and anything else your Explorer needs — in one visit. View serviceFord Explorer Maintenance Tips for Utah Drivers
Utah's temperature swings, mountain roads, and high altitude put unique demands on your vehicle. Here's what we've learned from years of servicing Ford Explorers in the Salt Lake Valley.
If you have a 5th-gen Explorer with the 3.5L V6, don't ignore unexplained coolant loss. The water pump is driven internally by the timing chain — catching a weeping pump early is a far smaller job than dealing with coolant in the oil after it fails outright.
Family trips up the canyons mean long, loaded brake descents. Have your Explorer's brakes inspected before mountain travel and again afterward — heat-cycled rotors and worn pads are common, and catching them early keeps it to a pad job.
Utah road salt attacks the Explorer's underside. Each spring, have the exhaust, brake lines, and suspension components checked for corrosion — early repair of rusted sections is far cheaper than waiting for a failure.
Ford Explorer Repair Service Areas
Our shop in South Salt Lake is centrally located in the valley — most customers are within 15 minutes. We service Ford Explorer drivers from throughout the greater Salt Lake area.
5-Star Reviews
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from Google — 5 stars across the board
“This guy did great work on a couple of things we had done on our vehicle. All in all great work.”
“I had a pretty good experience. They got me in pretty quick. They did work on my 2014 Chevy Tahoe LT — replaced my 2 front oxygen sensors, changed the front windshield washer fluid pump, and did a coolant flush. They allowed me to bring my own parts and coolant, which I really appreciated. Done for a fair price. Would come back.”
“I highly recommend this auto and repair shop! I have been to them twice now and both times they have been fair and honest with me. They are friendly, trustworthy, competent and seem eager to help and problem solve car issues!”
All Ford Models We Service
We service the full Ford lineup — not just the Explorer. Visit our Ford brand page to see every model we work on, read about Ford-specific service procedures, and learn what makes our shop the right choice for Ford owners in Salt Lake City.
Ready for Quality Auto Repair?
Contact Scott's Auto & Clutch Repair today for honest service and expert repairs.
- Free Estimates
- Competitive Pricing
- Same or Next Day Service
- 2-Year Parts & Labor Warranty
- Free Towing on Repairs Over $1,000
144 W Crystal Ave, South Salt Lake, UT 84115