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2011 E250 front end maintenance

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Old Mar 20, 2021 | 11:29 AM
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cali108
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From: Destin FL
2011 E250 front end maintenance

What do I need to replace on my 11” E250 4.6
I get a slight vibration around 45-65mph I figure it’s time for a refresh I have 110,000 miles. I’m not too familiar with the I-beams. I guess I’m looking to replace some bushings and ball joints? I’ll probably go with OEM unless there’s something better.
I've replaced and rotated the tires brakes and rotors. just looking to do as much as I can since work is slow. Then go get an alignment. I do a lot of towing. I'll be keeping this van for awhile.

 
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Old Mar 21, 2021 | 04:29 AM
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Your vibration might be due tire condition rather than any current issues with steering components. Naturally you'll want ball joints, tie rod ends and steering box checked for excessive wear or "play". I use Moog front end parts as they are the higher quality and have grease fittings. If radius arm or axle pivot bushings need replaced I use Energy Suspension or ProThane urethane parts---far more long lasting than the factory pieces.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2021 | 03:24 PM
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From: Destin FL
Originally Posted by JWA
Your vibration might be due tire condition rather than any current issues with steering components. Naturally you'll want ball joints, tie rod ends and steering box checked for excessive wear or "play". I use Moog front end parts as they are the higher quality and have grease fittings. If radius arm or axle pivot bushings need replaced I use Energy Suspension or ProThane urethane parts---far more long lasting than the factory pieces.
Thanks for the response, Energy Suspension or ProThane doesn't seem to make any bushings for E250 past 2006.
I don't think its the tires, my Michelins are newer and it was like this before I put new tires on. I recently rotated and it didn't make much of a difference.
I just ordered ball joints, and will look into tie rod ends, radius arm, and axle pivot bushings.
 
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Old Mar 21, 2021 | 07:58 PM
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From: Lake Camanche, CA
Couldn't you have a front end shop inspect it for free? Might be just a minor alignment. Just saying.

BTW I had an annoying vibration at 50 mph on a cl a motor home short story is that the drive shaft was out of balance from the factory was the cause. Had it balanced that eliminated the vibration.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2021 | 04:25 AM
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Originally Posted by cali108
Thanks for the response, Energy Suspension or ProThane doesn't seem to make any bushings for E250 past 2006.
I don't think its the tires, my Michelins are newer and it was like this before I put new tires on. I recently rotated and it didn't make much of a difference.
I just ordered ball joints, and will look into tie rod ends, radius arm, and axle pivot bushings.
Call Energy Suspension and Prothane---I'm fairly sure the 2011 E-Series will use the same bushings as the latest versions they show available. In 2008 the E-Series E-250's received received lager front calipers and rotors which are a direct swap onto the '07 and earlier years.

The drive shaft issue mentioned is worth investigating too.
 
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