Front End Vibration
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 3
From: Florida
I have a 2000 EB with the p275/60/17 tires. I had all of the exact same problems with the General tires. I had them balanced/rebalanced/aligned...you know the drill. One of the belts finally separated at 16k miles. This was several months before the recall. The dealership wouldn't get involed so I called Continental tire. They wouldn't admit a known problem, but they agreed to replace all 5 tires. I just had to pay $200 for mounting, balancing, and a small mileage adjustment. Continental sent Contitrac AWs (not bulk tires) to a local tire shop that installed them. The difference is like night and day. I am no fan of Continental General, but these tires have been great. When the recall ocurred, they reimbursed my $200.
Lessons learned: Keep your receipt if you replace your tires in case they get recalled later. Get Continental tire involved. Their customer service was excellent. Also, If I had known about the recall earlier, I would have bought Michelins and sent the reciept to Continental for the recall reimbursement.
Lessons learned: Keep your receipt if you replace your tires in case they get recalled later. Get Continental tire involved. Their customer service was excellent. Also, If I had known about the recall earlier, I would have bought Michelins and sent the reciept to Continental for the recall reimbursement.
Last edited by pounder90; Oct 15, 2003 at 09:55 PM.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: California
Right now, I'm being bounced back and forth between two dealers: First dealer says zone engineer test drove vehicle and says vibration within Ford Spec, advised dealer not to pursue in additional fix; the second says go back to first dealer and ask for new set of stock tires and wheels. Wonder how far I'll get seeing that the zone engineer already told them to stop trying to fix something that Ford says is acceptable to them. Oh yes, the two front tires have a feathered condition of which Ford also says is "normal" although rear tires are not feathered.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Newport News Virginia
HHHOOOLLLYYY CCCOOOWWW,
I find it hard to believe that a multi million dollar company that has been around for a hundred years wouldn't admit they have a fricken issue. Ford is really bad about not admitting fault concerning things but as I put in this forum several weeks ago, it's not really a problem with the Expedition, it's the rims and tires. The rims are not round and many of the tires are not round. It's a fact that the Continentals don't work with those rims unless the flaws in the the tires are placed on the rim directly opposite of the flaw on the rims. Keep on Ford. Firestone did.....
I find it hard to believe that a multi million dollar company that has been around for a hundred years wouldn't admit they have a fricken issue. Ford is really bad about not admitting fault concerning things but as I put in this forum several weeks ago, it's not really a problem with the Expedition, it's the rims and tires. The rims are not round and many of the tires are not round. It's a fact that the Continentals don't work with those rims unless the flaws in the the tires are placed on the rim directly opposite of the flaw on the rims. Keep on Ford. Firestone did.....
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Update -- I finally have my Expy back 3 sets of tires later and guess what it still shimmies it's at a different speed but it's still there. With these new tires I also feel the road in the wheel and it definately rides a lot stiffer. They put on BF Goodrich tires this time Oh well waiting to hear from Ford. Did everyone else give up on this ??
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: California
What about the vibration? Did it go away or was that ever an issue? And why didn't they just change out all the tires AND rims? I don't know how many times the dealer has attempted repairs, but I think it's the end of the road where repairs for this are concerned. I've been told by another Expedition owner that the service manager at his dealership said that a fix is 90-120 days away. This story can't be validated though, because Ford won't admit that there's anything wrong with the way the vehicle vibrates and shimmies even though they keep trying to fix it. Have I given up? No....has Ford? Maybe.
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
More Expedition Front-end Vibrations!
Hello:
New to ths site, but evidently not new to my experience. 2003 EB Expedition. Front-end shimmy at higway speeds. Going to the dealer for the third time tomorrow. They have replaced the steering rack and rotated the tires. The "cupping" on the front tires was the most recent blame. I can't believe they just cupped themselves, perhaps the vibration had something to do with it? After moving the worn tires to the rear and noticing the vibration continue, the service manager is now trying to convince me that the wobble felt in the steering wheel is being caused by the cupped REAR tires!! C'mon! I'm not THAT gullable! Any advice on getting this problem solved quickly and with minimal pain form those who have been there? I have read most of the posts and will try to have them check rims/wheels etc. By the way, how can I print from this site? I'd like to have something in my hand when I go in?
Alec
New to ths site, but evidently not new to my experience. 2003 EB Expedition. Front-end shimmy at higway speeds. Going to the dealer for the third time tomorrow. They have replaced the steering rack and rotated the tires. The "cupping" on the front tires was the most recent blame. I can't believe they just cupped themselves, perhaps the vibration had something to do with it? After moving the worn tires to the rear and noticing the vibration continue, the service manager is now trying to convince me that the wobble felt in the steering wheel is being caused by the cupped REAR tires!! C'mon! I'm not THAT gullable! Any advice on getting this problem solved quickly and with minimal pain form those who have been there? I have read most of the posts and will try to have them check rims/wheels etc. By the way, how can I print from this site? I'd like to have something in my hand when I go in?
Alec
Last edited by alecriss; Jul 25, 2004 at 11:24 PM.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
There is a TSB concerning steering wheel nibble at highway speeds. Your mention of the cupped tires is a big clue as to what is happening on your Expy. There is a loose or worn suspension component causing this. Worn shocks can cause it as well. I would have them replace the upper ball joints and if that doesn't work the shocks as well since they supposedly replaced the steering rack.
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Same problem...fixed
Geez, i feel pretty lucky considering all the bad experiences some people are having with getting this problem fixed. I had the same thing; steering wheel vibration/nibble at highway speeds especially with just applying slight pressure to the wheel. I took it in for an oil change at 14,000 miles and finally asked them to take a look at this problem. They "load forced" balanced all 4 tires and found that two would not balance in spec. So, they replaced (under warranty) both tires and I have not had a problem with vibration since then. In fact it is smooth as glass at 75-80mph. I now have 18,000 miles on the truck.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
I have EXACTLY the same problem. Been through the new tire thing, had it aligned, all four wheel's toe in was wrong. Everything was fine for 5k, now the whole process is beginning again, but this time, I'm out of warrant
It is my opinion that the 03 expedition is not a quality vehicle.
It is my opinion that the 03 expedition is not a quality vehicle.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Originally Posted by tkd
It is my opinion that the 03 expedition is not a quality vehicle.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
Sorry Matt,
Gotta disagree with you. Quick responsive steering doesn't account for the improper tire wear that went along with the other symptoms. Besides, the symptoms occur with little or no wheel input. The front has shaken so bad, it has caused drinks to spill in the cup holders--seriously
Read my other post "why I"m sick of this truck" and tell me with a straight face that my particular expedition is a quality vehicle.
Gotta disagree with you. Quick responsive steering doesn't account for the improper tire wear that went along with the other symptoms. Besides, the symptoms occur with little or no wheel input. The front has shaken so bad, it has caused drinks to spill in the cup holders--seriously
Read my other post "why I"m sick of this truck" and tell me with a straight face that my particular expedition is a quality vehicle.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
I have read them. I still think the '03 is a fine vehicle. I know several people who have them and they all rave. Unfortunately, there are pieces of ***** that get through the assembly line on occasion for most auto manufacturers. Perhaps yours is one of these "Monday" or "Friday" trucks. In any case, I try to stay away from any new model anything for the first revision or so so that they can work out the bugs. I am sorry about your lousy experience. It would make me very frustrated, to say the least. 
New User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thanks to all who have responded. I too am sorry that you (tkd) feel the vehicle is poor. I love my truck, just not the feeling of numbness in my hands created by constant vibration of the steering wheel at highway speed! The dealer has put a message in for me to "call back" (ie not to say my truck is fixed!). My suspicion is that they are going to try to get me to fork over cash for new tires. Good luck! I am going to stand my ground on this one! I'll keep you all posted