My 04 5.4 4x4 just turned 60k. After the spark plug issue, I was ready for an "easy" wear item to be replaced. The stock Hankooks could have gone another 10k without a problem but I have a freind in the business who got me a deal on another set of hanooks in the slightly larger factory size.

Now, whenever I'm driving on a smooth road, I get rediculous vibration (enough to make me want to vomit/think I'm going to lose control of the vehicle ) anywhere from 50-60mph, generally it is worst at 55mph. He swears his techs computer balanced the wheels and that possibly a wheel weight fell off. I believe him. I've put about 500 miles on her and am inclined to not drive it until I can get it fixed.

But here is the odd thing-maybe it's my imagination-with a heavy load in the bed (mulch, motorcycle...both) the vibration isn't as bad.


Opinions? Tips? Suggestions?
Does this sound like a warranty vibration issue, or should I just have my local Joe rebalance the wheels?

 

Just have them rebalanced. If that doesn't cure it completely, find someone to "road force balance" them. This is a new way to balance tires that applies basically the same force to the tire as driving when balancing them. As far as increased weight lessening the viberation I think that would only be normal as the increased weight does not allow the tire to "bounce" as much.

 

my 04 done the samething at the same speed it was a wheel weight (looks like 3M tape on the inside of the rim where weight was) still has a slight nibble but im running 35'' tires and figure i have to take the good with the bad

 

Road Force them if possible

 

Where did you take it to down here?

 

I was actually visiting a guy in Richmond, he used to work at Autotech and then was the parts manager over at RD's. Guess I'll have somebody down here balance them...OR... I could take it in to RD's for a vibration warranty issue!

 

Have him road force balance, and if that don't work, take the tires back. That maybe the reason they were so cheap.

 

I wanted to say that but didn't because of the "friend" issue but you could be correct.

 

Damn that gift horse with dentures.

 

At RD's that would be considered a "Normal Operating Conditions". You got the massage function.

Colony tire usually does a pretty good job at balancing and all.
I would take it to them and get them to balance them and if it is still there they can probably pin point what it is.

 

You may also want to look for a ol' mom'n pop garage that has been around for quite sometime. Those older (well seasoned) tire gurus didn't need the fancy balancing machines of today.
Take into consideration that ALL tires and rims are not perfectly round and w/out some sort of runout.
The "older generation" would unMount and rotate the tire to the rim and reMount... basically using thier "feel" (some trial and error and picking up and dropping) to either use Very little or NO weight to get them riding smooth as glass...
-Imho-I personally would rather not have to worry about weights (dropping/falling off later)

 

Another idea is to try the weight powder(sorry I don't know the exact name). This is a powder that is in a plastic bag. It is placed inside the tire during mounting. As the tires spin during driving this bag opens and the powder somehow moves around to balance the tire. This was designed for larger 18wheeler tires but I have heard of people using it on smaller tires.
One of the best things about it is, no weights to scratch the clear coat off the rims.

 

lol at the massage option!

ME: Hey, something's wrong with my truck, the vibration made my teeth fall out.
RDs: Sorry, your teeth are not covered under warranty. Take your truck to Dr. Martone!

 

Back to the BB's issue.

 

Had the wheels re-balanced by a shop. All four wheels were off by as much as 2 ounces.

Still had the vibration issue.

Took it to a Dealer, turns out two of the tires have excessive runout. Now it's time to warranty replace these Hankooks for better Hankooks. They just lost my vote of confidence. Too bad too. 60k out of factory tires, plus great gas mileage...tis a shame.