I took delivery of a 05 EB on 22 July, the front end started shaking last week when Highway speeds (72-75) acheived. Ok rest of time. I took the truck to the dealer this morning for a oil change(1169 total miles) and to have the shake checked out.
Service idiot called at 3 and said that he replaced the left front tire because they were unable to balance it, he said that they did a "roadforce" and all others were able to be balanced except the left front. all were out of balance. When I asked how the tires just jumped out of balance he said that they are checked carefully at the factory but it must have set too long on the lot and all the setting must have thrown it out of balance. I pray this is not going to be a weekly occurance.

 

1059-

hope your bs meter went off as loudly as mine did!

admittedly you have the new gen expy and mine is a first year first gen, but....

check alignment as well as balance!

lakeside

 

What brand are they? If it starts with C, just replace them the dealer will monkey around with them forever.

 

THEY DO START WITH C AND THE B.S. METER IS PEGGED. I REFUSE TO BUY NEW TIRES, THE DEALER WILL EVENTUALLY GET TIRED OF ME AS WELL AS FORD WILL GET TIRED OF THE LETTERS,

 

I experienced that same steering wheel shake at 70 - 75 MPH. This became noticable when the EX reached approximately 6K total mileage. At approximately 9K, ( in the middle of a 7K mile road trip), I noticed a progressively worse noise from the front tires. Upon return from the trip I got down and dirty and found that the inside edge of both front tires were cupping and wearing fast.

I dropped the Ex off at the dealer this morning for 3 items:

1. Hard grinding intermittent start problem - They will replace fuel pump. I found 3 TSB's on this and showed dealer.

2. Serious rattle from passenger side middle row seat - They will replace lower portion of seat frame.

3. Front tire wear / Steering shake - I showed the service writer the tires and told him about the steering. He immediately said the tires were cupped and asked if I had rotated. Got me there! 14K total miles no rotation. After a few questions regarding the tire quality and factory alignment settings I agreed to pay for tire rotation, balance and alignment. $90.00.

Questions:

Should I stop right now and buy the Michelins?
The service writer said these particular Continental tires require a lot of care and attention. I think he really wanted to say they were crap and should be replaced. I had a set of Michelin LTX on my 01 Supercrew - 55K miles no balance, no alignment, no problems, tons of tread left.

My disregard of recommended tire rotation aside, is it possible the factory alignment caused the issue with the tires?

Has anyone had these tires replaced by a dealer under warranty?

Thanks to all for a great website and for any replies and information.

 

It is the tires no if ands or buts. Ford will lie till they turn blue and pass out and let you down. There are alot of threads on here, some people got so frustrated they replaced tires on there own, others got Ford to do it under threats of buy back etc... Just keep fighting us use little guys ok? You would think Ford would have learned there lesson on lowest bid tire suppliers but not yet.

Dave