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TSB 05-26-6	RAPID FEATHERING WEAR OF FRONT TIRES
Publication Date: December 19, 2005

FORD:

2004 F-150

This article supersedes TSB 05-9-19 to update the Service Procedure.

ISSUE:

Some 2004 F-150 vehicles (excluding Heritage) equipped with the following tires, may exhibit tire wear on the inside or outside edge of the front tires:

• Hankook P235/70 R17 XL 108S, All Season, Black Sidewall
• Hankook P235/75 R17 108S, All Terrain, Black Sidewall

ACTION:

The action necessary to correct the tire wear concern differs based on the amount of wear and the vehicle build date. Follow the Tire Inspection Procedure to confirm the tires on the vehicle are exhibiting feathering wear. If tires are exhibiting feathering wear, follow correct procedure based on build date and extent of wear.

NOTE:

THIS TIRE INSPECTION PROCEDURE AND ACTION IS SPECIFIC TO HANKOOK TIRES ONLY AND VEHICLE BUILD DATE.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE:

THE REVISED TOE SETTING IN THIS TSB APPLIES ONLY TO THE TSB RELATED TIRE WEAR CONCERNS AND SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A REVISED SETTING FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED IN THIS TSB.

NOTE:

REFER TO WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION 204-00 FOR ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES. REFER TO THE WARRANTY AND POLICY MANUAL FOR TIRE AND ALIGNMENT REIMBURSEMENT COVERAGE.

TIRE INSPECTION PROCEDURE

1. Visually inspect the front tires at both the inside and outside shoulder ribs to establish whether feathering (heel/toe) wear exists (Figure 1). If there is a difference in tread depth of the leading compared to trailing edge, of each lug in the inside and/or outside shoulder rib, the tires are exhibiting feathering (heel/toe) wear.
   
   
   Figure 1 - Article 05-26-6
   
   
2. If feathering is present, check the extent of the feathering by using a depth caliper to measure the difference between the highest and the lowest point on each lug A-B-C (Figure 2). Do this in five (5) locations around the tire, then refer to one of the following procedures based on build date.
   
   
   Figure 2 - Article 05-26-6
   
   

VEHICLES BUILT ON OR BEFORE MARCH 31, 2004:

1. If the average difference in tread depth between leading and trailing edge is 0.08" (2 mm) or more, replace front tires and the upper control arms. Inspect rear tires for abnormal wear, replace if tread depth is less than 0.16" (4 mm).
2. If the average difference in tread depth between leading and trailing edge is less then 0.08" (2 mm), rotate the tires front to back. Tire replacement is not required.
3. Ensure that the camber and caster readings are within specification and set the front total toe to 0.20 ± 0.05 degrees (nominal).