Hello everybody!

Yesterday I replaced smaller winter tires (225/70R15 Yokahama Geolandar I/T+ G071) with larger A/T tires (265/70R15 Yokohama Geolandar A/T II + G011). Smaller tires are mounted on original Ford metal discs (bought from dealer new, the tires were bought new last fall), new larger tires are mounted on original alloy discs that came with car (this set of tires also was bought new, just two or three weeks ago).

Oh, the car is the '93 Explorer 4x4.

Well, after I replaced the wheels, I noticed that steering wheel doesn't return completely to "zero" position after a sharp turn. Well, it rotates back as usual, but it almost stops in position of 15-30 degrees to "zero" point. And you should apply some force to rotate steering wheel to its normal "go-straight" position.

Please advise, is that a problem, or the feature of wider tires on Explorer?

Thanks in advance,
Yuri.

 

Hi, I am new here, but I do have some experience in automotive suspension design (many years ago). First, check the wheel offset. If there is much difference, it will change your geometry a lot. You want to compare the mounting surface at the hub to the centerline of the tire.
Has anything else been changed? Worn ball joints can cause this, as well as tie rods. If the alignment is out even a little, this could be a contributor.

Good luck, Dan

 

Easiest way is just have a front end alignment done they will recentre the wheel and make sure the front end is true so you dont wear the new tires you put on


Stoney

 

Dan, thanks for reply. Yes, I suspected that the wheels aren't aligned of propely. At least, front wheels have visible positive toe-in (or maybe I should say "toe-out"?). As I understand, it's abnormal.

Tie rods are OK, definetely, and I replaced all ball joints just about month ago (10 hours at garage, mostly put on unscrewing bolts rusted to death).

About wheels offset, it should be OK. At least, I suppose it to correct -- as these alloy wheels are stock and came with the car from the factory.

Stoney, yes, you're absolutely right about excessive tire wear with unaligned frontend. I will go to shop next weekend to do this.

Well, let's see what will happen after wheel alignment, I hope this will correct the problem. I will let you all know about the results.

And thanks again,
with best regards,
Yuri

 

To whom might be interested, I solved the problem. As Dan said, the cause was the alignment. I visited the shop last weekend, and did the alignment.

As I can see from the report they included with the bill, they only compensated front wheels' toe-in. It was +0°12' (left) and +0°03 (right). Now it set to 0°00' on both wheels. Also, they played a little with other angles, but the changes were minor.

The changes in car handling are amazing. Steering wheel returns to center just fine as it used to do. Also, car stopped to float on straights and now I cannot feel any ruts (well, in Russia many roads have real deep ruts in left lanes, that seems to become normal last years).

Dan and Stoney, thanks again for your help!

With best regards,
Yuri.