control issue
 

We have taken several long trips lately and i have been noticing that at high speeds the expedition feels rally loose. Any sudden wind burst and i feel the expedition move really easy. If i pass a semi truck. I can feel the sudden burst of air as soon as i clear it. If i hit a small bump on the highway. I feel like i am going to fish tail out of control. Is it just the od the expedition thays causing this? Or is tjere something wrong?

I'm moments ago back from nearly 500 miles in my '07 XLT. Gusty winds and rain. Truck ran smooth and steady the whole way across the PA mountains.

I'm running Bridgestone all season radials, not off road tires. 35psi all around.

-- Chuck

check your shocks, tires and bushings. sounds like you've got some worn suspension components

My tires only have 12000 miles on them. I will check the bushings and everything else tonight

Check the upper control arms as well. I took a 3,000 mile trip this summer with my '07 that had only 45,000 miles at the time. I did not feel any issues, as I guess I was used to it, but when 2 other family members took turns at the wheel, they observed that the vehicle was "steering funny". The 3rd row passengers almost got sick from the constant moving back and forth from one of the drivers. I took it in to get the tie-rods checked (I live in MN, we have ALOT of frost heaves that cause issues with alignment), and it turned out the drivers side control arm was shot. I replaced both arms myself with MOOG units that have grease zerks. The stock Ford arms do not. The new arms solved my issues, and it is back to handling like new.

Mike

How can you tell if the tie rods are shot?

jack up the front end

wiggle the wheel left/right. watch the tie rods and steering linkage. You shouldn't see any slop...slop = replace ASAP

take a long bar/stick and pry upwards on the wheel. check the upper and lower control arms. You shouldn't see any slop when prying either. If you see any movement...again replace ASAP