2180 messages,
Last post on Nov 26, 2006 at 10:18 PM
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Ford F-150, Ford F-250, Ford F-350, Ford F-100, Truck
#495 of 2180 2003 F-150 vibration
by danf150
Nov 02, 2003 (2:46 pm)
I finally buckled under and "bought American." My brand new 2003 F-150 Lariat Supercab has an annoying vibration in steering wheel and seat
45-65 mph. The dealer has been very good about attempting to fix, in 5 visits they have tried new wheels, tires, road force balancing, etc. They have yet to try non OEM wheels/tires. They keep replacing chrome style wheels and 17 inch BF Goodrich all season tires.
I have seen other messages about vibration problems, and service folks from dealer acknowledge that there are other similiar complaints, but no official word from FoMoCo.
This week a Ford Co rep is coming to attempt fix...what are my options in Connecticut?
Nov 02, 2003 (3:06 pm)
I hate to say this, but this type of complaint is not completely uncommon on F150s. My daughter and son-in-laws 2001 SuperCrew has a vibration that they can't seem to resolve, either.
But since they don't all do it I am having a difficult time believing there is something inherent in the design. I also hate to say this, but I don't believe there is quite the quality of technical expertise in the field to support contemporary products. Replacing components is as easy as going to the parts counter person and ordering parts.
I know this may sound trite -- and it really isn't intended -- but have they tried some sound diagnostic procedures? Your dealer sounds as if they are at least earnestly concerned. I know a few people that are dealing with other Ford dealers that aren't getting anywhere near the attention that you are. They're getting the old service managers song, "that's normal."
I say this because I know someone who resolved the problem themselves on a F150 SuperCrew -- at their own expense -- and it turned out to be a combination of wheel runout AND tire runout.
Best of luck,
Dusty
#497 of 2180 re: 2003 F-150 vibration
by wpalkowski
Nov 03, 2003 (10:45 am)
danf150
Have they tried one of these machines that actually balances out the tire and wheel while they are mounted on the car? Go through the website, there's a page where you can punch in your zip code and find a shop that has one. Supposedly they can find problems, no one else can.
http://128.242.141.111/index.cfm
#498 of 2180 re: rough idle
by gmanion1
Nov 07, 2003 (12:07 pm)
I just had the 30K service for 2000 F150 5.4 SC XLT for $500! Dealer said I had to flush this and that ( and I think I got flushed, too). Anyhow, rough idle still there. Dealer said it's normal. It's intermittant and it makes the whole truck shake. Embarrasing at a stop light. Any ideas would be appreciated.
#499 of 2180 F-150 vibration follow up
by danf150
Nov 08, 2003 (2:12 am)
The effort continues. Again, dealer has been good so far. Two days ago they (they meaning dealership owner, service mgr and 2 Ford reps)took Ford Field Service Engineer for 1oo mile ride after he drove truck and stated "nothing wrong". They noticed problem was at 1800 RPM. As far as balancing tires/wheels on vehicle, yes, they went to another dealer for Road Force Balance. Also, Ford FSE brought magic box diagnostic device, still no good.
They removed driveshaft and vehicle still vibrates at 1800 RPM, etc etc. Dealer stated 2 visits ago I can qualify for new vehicle or buyback. Thank goodness I reported problem while enroute home from taking delivery...Ford wanted to pro-rate mileage and I already have 6000 miles on it. I reported problem 10 mile from dealership.
#500 of 2180 fuel pump
by flacko
Nov 10, 2003 (2:46 pm)
bmaige, I have a 93 dually with a non-turbo charged 7.3 diesel. So far no problems (only has 75K), just curious...I'm assuming this has the old style fuel pump system that you described on your van? It has the spin on fuel filter near the engine. Also, should I be watching the camshaft position sensor on this engine, or does the older engine even use that sensor?
Nov 11, 2003 (11:34 am)
Sorry, no info on the fuel pump, but...
Welcome from a Jr. Bilge Rat!
"Come On Down"
RWNJ
#502 of 2180 Rotors-02-F350-4X4
by dsrtrat
Nov 17, 2003 (1:14 pm)
Can anybody tell me what the latest info is on rotor vibration?
#503 of 2180 re:Rotors-02-F350-4X4
by wpalkowski
Nov 17, 2003 (3:02 pm)
Rotors warp. Dealers are kind of reluctant to turn or replace them under warranty, and view it as "normal" wear and tear. Seems like they don't want to admit there's a problem. Maybe it only happens to small percentage of Superdutys out there. My 01's been fine, brakes don't pulse, while buddy's '99 PSD is on like 3rd or 4th set of front rotors. He can have rotors turned, run-out measures near perfect and in 2-3 K miles his brakes are pulsing again.
Not sure if it's just the mass of these trucks is too much for stock brakes. If it's heating up brakes in city driving, then going through a puddle of cold water and distorting them. Or, if the local teenager with air gun at tire shop is overtightening the wheel lugs. Some folks report that they have bought aftermarket rotors ($$) that're slotted to dissipate heat better and warping problems have stopped.