Intermittent Wheel vibration at high speeds

[6generuption]

Hey Everyone, I am getting an intermittent vibration or shake in the steering wheel when above 55/60 mph. The truck was a left over so it sat on the floor for a while before I bought it. The dealer blamed the flat spots on the tires and the size of them (factory tires) etc… Well with brand new tires (factory size but nitro recons) and an alignment the truck still does the same thing. Dealer says it’s due to the size of the tire and it’s “normal” I have had vehicles with bigger tires and it was never an issue.
I guess two simple questions are… is it in fact “normal”? If it’s not any idea what it might be?

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[Dan-O]

I had a similar issue with past vehicle. I first swapped fronts to rear to see if issue changed….it did…did force balance test and found one tire out of specs. Could be similar issue to slightly bent rim as it sounds consistent with both sets of tires.

 

[Bschurr]

Vibration at speed it typically associated with wheel balance. The 37” tires are heavy so make sure to go to a reputable shop that has the proper equipment and as @Dan-O suggested, a road force balance is ideal! Good luck.

(BTW - flat spotted tires can make noise and vibrate at any speed)

 

[V1Rotate]

No that's not normal for any size tire. It just needs to be taken to a place that can competently perform a balance to start with.

You could also swap the fronts to the rears and see if it changes anything to basically ensure its a wheel problem. I think i've seen a few folks over the years that had bad wheels from the factory.

Its just not rocket science but some dealer service depts make things out to be..

 

[6generuption]

I greatly appreciate the assistance! I will give the rotation a shot and see where that leaves me.

 

[Tooold]

Just another data point. I also confirm no vibration at any speed so far. Factory sas 2-door.

 

[Gregory61]

I had similar problem with my 35" tires. The dealer went as far as they could with their road force balancing system. But problem persisted. Eventually they called Ford to get permission to replace 3 tires. A road force balance on the new tires was successful.
My dealer uses a Hunter Road Force balancer. But I believe the Hunter Road Force Elite has better capabilities. The Hunter website can help you locate an Elite system near you.
Also, as others stated, it is not normal for this vibration. But it is very difficult and complicated to thoroughly balance a tire/wheel with such a tall side wall. (or, at least that is what my service manager told me) You just need a service manager determined to resolve the problem.

 

[V1Rotate]

But it is very difficult and complicated to thoroughly balance a tire/wheel with such a tall side wall. (or, at least that is what my service manager told me) You just need a service manager determined to resolve the problem.

Its not hard unless you buy super cheap tires. Any reputable name brand 37-40" balances just fine outside of the rare occurrence of a factory defect in the tire or wheel. I've run toyo and nitto / etc 37-40 inch tires on 15 and 17" wheels for 25 years and not once had a single one that wouldn't balance

 

[Sandcruiser]

Mine is only 2 weeks old. Vibration at low and high speeds. Sas version 315 goodyear tires. My wifes Heritage LTD with same tires is fine. I went to a tire shop and tires would not balance. Was told tires are out of round and need to be replaced. They showed me the wobbling while on the balance machine. My dealer wants to do a road force test before getting replacement under warranty.

 

[Fordsoldier]

I had the same issue with my 24 Wildtrak when I bought it.

My tires where 1.5 onces out of balance.

Took it to discount tire paid money out of pocket to have them road force balanced. Issue went away.

I had low coolant level as well that I had to top off. For what ford charges for the bronco's. The small things shouldn't exist.

Oh well

Love my bronco, ford get your shit together

 

[Bronc6g22]

I've been battling low speed (<40mph) bucking/wobbly ride for months. I've since replaced suspension with 6100s + alignment. After persisting issues and several balancing appointments: I'm convinced my tires is bad.

Edit: Two of my tires have 65+ lbs on road force. Tired of babying my KO2s, so swapping all 5 to MT Baja Boss AT (35"x12.5"X17" D2) with credit.

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