Front End Vibration
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 14
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Bought 03 expy eddie baur 4x4 Central Ford Houston( June 03 )with the EXACT problems other readers describe, slightly left or right cruising at 65-75 mph transmits a vibration to steering wheel. First dealership rotates and balances, second visit re-aligns front. Neither improve the vibration. Next they replace the rack and pinion steering (at 2k) Then they switch from continentals to goodyear wranglers-still nothing. I said screw it and bought a Daystar 2" suspension lift kit (blocks for the coil suspension) and put the H2 tires (BF Goodwrench All T errain TKO's 31.5") and it rides SOOO much better. I was so worried that the lift was going to make it worse and amplify the great Ford quality product.. Now all i get is some front wheelwell rubbing with sharp (sterring wheell all left or right) turns. But it looks and drives BETTER than stock.
Last edited by sedrate; Oct 4, 2003 at 12:11 AM.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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Well, so far at 900 miles I have not experienced this vibration. So far it seems to be fine. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!
Hey Sedrate....post some pics. I'd like to see a lifted 03! Seems that more and more are lowering, and I'm not really into that. Some do like ok that way if done right, but just not to my liking. I'd rather do that to a sports car. Must be getting old!!!
Hey Sedrate....post some pics. I'd like to see a lifted 03! Seems that more and more are lowering, and I'm not really into that. Some do like ok that way if done right, but just not to my liking. I'd rather do that to a sports car. Must be getting old!!!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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Just talked to my dealer and after 30 working days in the shop they are now talking to Ford engineering to try and find the vibration and are asking for more time. I've already drafted a letter to Ford Motor Company to start arbitration so I guess I will wait a couple of days after this long why not ! If they find anything I will post, if not maybe a 2004 F150 Super Cab
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
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DN27 - after following the procedures outlined in the TSB above, my dealer was able to completely resovle the "steering wheel nibble" I was experiencing. They replaced all four wheels and tires with new wheels and Conti's from another 03 Expy. I have driven it about 2500 miles since and no steering vibration problem. I have not rotated the tires yet. When I do that, I hope the problem does not return. You mention dealer has had vehicle for 30+ days. Can you describe what they have done specificaly? Have they followed the TSB (see above)?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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rahach,
They did that the second time I took it in. Then they put on 1 new tire and said that fixed it, then sent it to outside shop to have it "forced balanced" whatever that is. They have taken the tires off of the wheels and had the wheels balanced separately they said. Today they are putting on 4 new tires. At least the tech agrees and says he wouldn't drive it if it was his.
They did that the second time I took it in. Then they put on 1 new tire and said that fixed it, then sent it to outside shop to have it "forced balanced" whatever that is. They have taken the tires off of the wheels and had the wheels balanced separately they said. Today they are putting on 4 new tires. At least the tech agrees and says he wouldn't drive it if it was his.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
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Nothing like technology, Ford must really hate the information age because in decades past they could keep all this quiet, not today!
Unfortunately this is the real problem with American manufacturers, they are into shipping units and not complete quality products.... Ford better watch their backs because the Japanese will run right past them in the truck area (as they did in the smaller car area) if they don't straighten out their acts!
Unfortunately this is the real problem with American manufacturers, they are into shipping units and not complete quality products.... Ford better watch their backs because the Japanese will run right past them in the truck area (as they did in the smaller car area) if they don't straighten out their acts!
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Vibration and trading )03+ expedition
Originally posted by DN27
Just talked to my dealer and after 30 working days in the shop they are now talking to Ford engineering to try and find the vibration and are asking for more time. I've already drafted a letter to Ford Motor Company to start arbitration so I guess I will wait a couple of days after this long why not ! If they find anything I will post, if not maybe a 2004 F150 Super Cab
Just talked to my dealer and after 30 working days in the shop they are now talking to Ford engineering to try and find the vibration and are asking for more time. I've already drafted a letter to Ford Motor Company to start arbitration so I guess I will wait a couple of days after this long why not ! If they find anything I will post, if not maybe a 2004 F150 Super Cab
In typical american car fashion the dealer service writer (Joe Myer Ford-Houston ) said "They all do that, even my new F150, its not a problem." My friend stated he must have dead arms not to be bothered by it or he's sleeping with the dealer's daughter.
KEEP up the good work on this site. It's the only chat room I've found to be useful
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 186
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From: Detroit
I still have the problem and have not given up. The sent it out for an alignment, but it's still there. I'm waiting for the parts for the differential problem. When I bring it back for that, I'll take a second shot at it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,428
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From: peoria, az
I don't want to stick my nose in here not owning one of these things but, It appears that everyone that has changed the WHEELS has had good results. The ones that have changed TIRES have mixed results. It looks to me that there is either a problem with the wheels or the way that they mount.
Couldn't help but put in my 2 cents. With this many complaints on this thing you'd think Ford would find an answer to it so that their tech's could work on something else.
Maybe you could take a poll and see who changed tires or wheels with what kind of results. Just an idea.
Couldn't help but put in my 2 cents. With this many complaints on this thing you'd think Ford would find an answer to it so that their tech's could work on something else.
Maybe you could take a poll and see who changed tires or wheels with what kind of results. Just an idea.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 125
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stepman,
I think it is multiple problems. I have friends that have 2 wheel drives and have no shimmie and I know people that have changed wheels and tires on a 4 wheel drive and the problem still exists. Go figure
I think it is multiple problems. I have friends that have 2 wheel drives and have no shimmie and I know people that have changed wheels and tires on a 4 wheel drive and the problem still exists. Go figure
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 51
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From: California
I own a two-wheel drive and have had the tires and wheels changed, balance, rotate, etc. etc several times. Steering gear changed, the whole bit. three months of ownership and still no solution. Unless you are positive that the tires and wheels are the problem and you don't want to dicker around with the dealer and Ford about who's going to pay for replacements, you can go out on your own spend the $ to replace your tires and/or wheels. I say that you should be positive when you do this, because if the problem prevails and you go back to the dealer for vibration and/or shimmy problems, the first thing they are going to look at is the tires and wheels and if they are not stock, they may tell you that's what's causing the problem and that you altered the vehicle, etc. etc. etc. You get the picture.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: peoria, az
Yeah, or you could just take it to Ford and leave it with them for weeks at a time and I gotta tell you....I don't see them coming up with anything. This thing was obviously engineered wrong. They should be looking at what they changed from one year to the next and that's where they should be looking for the problem. Unless it is just an overall bad design.....Okay, I'll butt out now.
You do make a point though, if you attempt to fix it on your own you'll have problems with Ford.
You do make a point though, if you attempt to fix it on your own you'll have problems with Ford.