2003 Expedition Tire Rub

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Nov 27, 2008 | 01:21 PM

Gman22Expy

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2003 Expedition Tire Rub

Hello all

This is my first post but I have been hanging around here for a few months reading/learning from you guys/gals so thank you.

I am the owner of a "new to us" 2003 Expedition EB. We recently moved up to a 27' travel trailer for our camping needs and needed something with more grunt than our previous Trailblazer - the Expy fit nicely.

I have noticed some wheel rub at the left front wheel on the inner fender. The tires are sized properly as per the door sticker so that should not be the issue. It only appears to be a problem under the left front when the wheels are cranked to the right. The inner fender does not appear damaged.

Any thoughts would be welcomed

Nov 27, 2008 | 06:35 PM

alloro

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From: 0,0,1

1. You could be missing a fastener or two for the plastic wheel well skirt. This could make it hang lower than it should and causing the rubbing.

2. Your front end alignment could be off, allowing the wheel to turn further than it is supposed to.

Nov 28, 2008 | 06:24 PM

bumparker

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Are you sure it is actually rubbing or does it "feel" like it is rubbing through the drivetrain? The reason I ask is because it has been well documented in this forum that the clutch packs in the rearend grabbing create a sensation that feels like the front tire is rubbing. Usually it happens when accelerating from a stop with the wheel turned. Mine did it when turning left and it felt like a rub.

The solution is a change of the rear differential fluid and make sure to add the friction modifier. The fluid change made the problem go away in my 2003

Nov 28, 2008 | 09:06 PM

FTE Herman

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Welcome GMan!

Dec 1, 2008 | 08:35 PM

Gman22Expy

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No it is actually rub. When parked I can can feel the connection area between tire and inside fender. There are severaly holes predrilled into the inside fender but there is nothing in them i.e. fasteners. Or are the holes for seomthing else? Thanks again.

Dec 2, 2008 | 02:24 PM

Paul37

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Mine does it too. I just don't turn so sharp.

Dec 2, 2008 | 04:24 PM

alloro

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gman22Expy

There are several holes predrilled into the inside fender but there is nothing in them i.e. fasteners. Or are the holes for something else? Thanks again.

There is supposed to be those plastic push-in retainers with the large heads in those holes. Without the retainers the shield is hanging lower than it is supposed to be, allowing the tire to touch it. This is likely the cause of the rubbing.