Tire problem '99 Explorer XLT
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Tire problem '99 Explorer XLT
I recently purchased a set of 235/75/15 Bridgestone Dueler AT's for my 1999 Explorer XLT. After I had them mounted and balanced, I noticed a terrible shaking in the car as I drove at highway speeds. I took my car to my mechanic and he told me that the car was mechanically sound and that it was the tires that were causing the problems. He told me that the company who sold me the tires should have known not to sell these types due to the narrow wheelbase and that he should have recommended more of a passenger-type tire.
Has anyone else had this problem?
Has anyone else had this problem?
Last edited by rwilzb01; Aug 10, 2005 at 11:44 AM.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Webster, NY
I can't recall the size of the ones on my 1997 Mountaineer but they are just fine there. Bridgestone Dualer AT Revo tires. It was only after getting these installed that the shimmy at highway speeds went away. I have one rim that is very hard to balance but the tech doing the work did a good job.
Take a look at the tires, they have a yellow dot on the side wall. It should be by the valve stem, if not they were not properly mounted. At least that is what I have been told both here and at the tire shop.
I would go back to the shop and tell them that this is new after the tire installation and they will likely rebalance them.
Good luck.
Take a look at the tires, they have a yellow dot on the side wall. It should be by the valve stem, if not they were not properly mounted. At least that is what I have been told both here and at the tire shop.
I would go back to the shop and tell them that this is new after the tire installation and they will likely rebalance them.
Good luck.
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
I am a tire installer and also have a 99 explorer. I installed LT(light truck) tires on my exp and have been happy with the results. The only complaint is that the ride is a bit rougher than with passenger tires. The tires i use are made by Cooper and are 235 75 15. I use the Bronco tires.
Somthing I would recommend you checking is the wheel weights used to balance your tires. Check to make sure that your weights, if more than one is used are right next to (touching each other) and not on different parts of the wheel, ie one on top, one bottom and so forth. When this is done your wheel is counter-balanced and will produce sensations such as u describe.
Note to everyone, please check your lugs after you leave the a tire shop, they should be torqued to specs but mistakes to happen.
Somthing I would recommend you checking is the wheel weights used to balance your tires. Check to make sure that your weights, if more than one is used are right next to (touching each other) and not on different parts of the wheel, ie one on top, one bottom and so forth. When this is done your wheel is counter-balanced and will produce sensations such as u describe.
Note to everyone, please check your lugs after you leave the a tire shop, they should be torqued to specs but mistakes to happen.
Elder User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Webster, NY
The more I think about this post the more I don't place credibility in the mechanic's statement about the wheelbase of the truck and not using AT tires. I have ridden in many a Jeep (both Cherokee and Wrangler, and even old CJ-5 and CJ-7s) with off road tires and those things have both narrow and short wheel bases and they were all just fine at highway speeds with all-terrain tires... They were loud and rough on the ride, but they did not shimmy or shake.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Porterville Utah
We got a set of Michellin MS, excellent tires for the expolorer. Sixty mile round trip to work and back, up the canyon rain and snow no problem, will buy another set very happy with the way they drive and handle. There is times we get 21, 22 miles a gallon. Winter time 17 not bad for a stock Ford Expolorer.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I took my explorer back to the tire shop to discuss the issue and it turned out that the tech who mounted/balanced the new tires didn't do a very good job. They rebalanced them and now all seems to be fine.
Thanks for all of your help/suggestions.
Thanks for all of your help/suggestions.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bgilfrich
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
2
Jul 11, 2016 02:09 PM
jstutz101
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
5
Jul 23, 2008 06:58 AM
