truck unstable
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 13
From: Great northwest
truck unstable
So my 2011 f150 seems to get unstable when passing over the center rumble strip, Also in wet roads, and when going around corners it can feel at times like there is a weight shift in the middle of a long corner. I am guessing these are related, but do not know where to go to fix this.
also had the EPAS replaced for other issues, The tires are getting low on tread, but not needing to be replaced yet, so it is nor new tires.
I have done an alignment, and they said everything was good, and made a small adjustment, but it did not help.
I have 180K miles,
Any help would be great.
Thanks
also had the EPAS replaced for other issues, The tires are getting low on tread, but not needing to be replaced yet, so it is nor new tires.
I have done an alignment, and they said everything was good, and made a small adjustment, but it did not help.
I have 180K miles,
Any help would be great.
Thanks
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 140
Likes: 17
From: Brantford Ontario
Your shocks would be another big thing to check along with any stabilizer bars.....
Tires would also play a big part in stability But everything else should be checked & repaired first !!
For a good alignment the shop should have checked your shocks & all other things as in stabilizer bushings along with your front end components etc..
Good Luck !!
It might help if you were to include other complete information...as in when did this first appear + anything else that might matter ??
Tires would also play a big part in stability But everything else should be checked & repaired first !!
For a good alignment the shop should have checked your shocks & all other things as in stabilizer bushings along with your front end components etc..
Good Luck !!
It might help if you were to include other complete information...as in when did this first appear + anything else that might matter ??
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 13
From: Great northwest
i do not know when this started, i have had the truck for about 18 months, seemed fine until this fall. the rainy season here in the northwest. it is much more noticeable when it is cold and wet. and i feel it more in the seat.
I do not have a lift kit or anything on the truck. Ford did update the ABS programming when installing the new steering rack.
other than that it has just been normal driving. about 70 miles a day.
The alignment shop said everything was fine in the front end. they have notified me of issues before on other cars so i believe that they do a good inspection. no tire wear that is noticeable.
I will start looking for rear shocks. Have no idea if they are still factory at my mileage.
i am sure there is a recommendation somewhere on here.
Thanks Hope this extra info helps.
I do not have a lift kit or anything on the truck. Ford did update the ABS programming when installing the new steering rack.
other than that it has just been normal driving. about 70 miles a day.
The alignment shop said everything was fine in the front end. they have notified me of issues before on other cars so i believe that they do a good inspection. no tire wear that is noticeable.
I will start looking for rear shocks. Have no idea if they are still factory at my mileage.
i am sure there is a recommendation somewhere on here.
Thanks Hope this extra info helps.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 21
Tires is my thought. The rubber hardens as they age. And when the tread is getting worn doesn't help. I went through this on my 17 F150.
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 467
Likes: 25
From: Central Callifornia
I've been looking into that sway bar kit.
Maybe after the holidays.
Maybe after the holidays.
Last edited by newfordy; Dec 28, 2021 at 06:33 PM. Reason: spelling
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 13
From: Great northwest
i did not notice it before the rack was installed. Ford said the rack is good when programing t. and it feels like it is on ice in the back when going around corners ecen on wet roads.
i have been ;looking at new tires. do i need load range E or is SL ok? i have toyo open country on there now, but worn. I should get a measurement this weekend.
it is snowing here, and i can tell i need the new tires. I am just cheap, and do not want to spend 1K on tires..
This was not the issue last winter. the only work done under the truck was the steering rack,
i do have a fiberglass canopy on the truck all the time which adds a lot of weight. That was also new this summer.
what should i have the tires inflated to? door says 35m or 40 i think. tire says max 80.
thanks you
i have been ;looking at new tires. do i need load range E or is SL ok? i have toyo open country on there now, but worn. I should get a measurement this weekend.
it is snowing here, and i can tell i need the new tires. I am just cheap, and do not want to spend 1K on tires..
This was not the issue last winter. the only work done under the truck was the steering rack,
i do have a fiberglass canopy on the truck all the time which adds a lot of weight. That was also new this summer.
what should i have the tires inflated to? door says 35m or 40 i think. tire says max 80.
thanks you
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 13
From: Great northwest
so i ordered some cooper discoverer atp 2 tires, i would like to get shocks in the next couple of weeks for the back as well. will stock shocks let me add a 2.5 inch lift? in the future after this is sorted out,
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 13
From: Great northwest
yes. i know that,, but i am hoping the stability issue can be resolved, the truck feels like it is on a slick road right now. not completely sold on a lift, just curious if i get this found and fixed, then maybe. and curious if i can get shocks that can let me decide later.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 274
Likes: 63
Many years ago I had a dealer install a trans in a Datsun. I wanted to adjust the clutch to where I like the pedal. While under there I found that most if not all the trans mounting bolts were only finger tight.
Good luck,
Tom
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 467
Likes: 25
From: Central Callifornia
What you wrote here still makes me think the rack is either not tight or has an issue. Maybe whoever installed it forgot to tighten the bolts fully?
Many years ago I had a dealer install a trans in a Datsun. I wanted to adjust the clutch to where I like the pedal. While under there I found that most if not all the trans mounting bolts were only finger tight.
Good luck,
Tom
Many years ago I had a dealer install a trans in a Datsun. I wanted to adjust the clutch to where I like the pedal. While under there I found that most if not all the trans mounting bolts were only finger tight.
Good luck,
Tom
Granted nobody is perfect, but as a mechanic, that's why I'd go back and put a wrench on every bolt that I touched. Took more time but people trusted me with their lives.
To your point, it wouldn't hurt for the OP to take a look since the steering repair was the common factor with problem.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 140
Likes: 17
From: Brantford Ontario
You probably don't need E rated tires ...if you got e rated now check your pressure....it should be around 40 lbs unless you got + 800 lbs in the box ...I run 50 lbs with an honest 600 lbs (always) in the box ...but that that should probably be maximun pressure wise !!!
I also run cooper E rated but at3's ....I would put an xl rated tire (xtra load) they are max 44 lbs & again I would ran them @ 38-40 lbs....xl tires are a excellent traction tire summer & winter rain /snow & ride & if you always constantly run a little weight will give you a better ride & grip !!
Remember if tooo much pressure (for your loaded weight) you will basically be running on the centre of your tire & that will tend to make your trk. slip & slide on cornering...especially more on worn tires !!
I also run cooper E rated but at3's ....I would put an xl rated tire (xtra load) they are max 44 lbs & again I would ran them @ 38-40 lbs....xl tires are a excellent traction tire summer & winter rain /snow & ride & if you always constantly run a little weight will give you a better ride & grip !!
Remember if tooo much pressure (for your loaded weight) you will basically be running on the centre of your tire & that will tend to make your trk. slip & slide on cornering...especially more on worn tires !!