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Ford Explorer Tires and Wheels

20 messages,  Last post on Jan 20, 2012 at 2:57 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Explorer, Ford Explorer Sport, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Tires, SUV

Messages Page 1 of 2

#1 of 20 Safe Tire Pressure on Michelins ??? by zevoruko

May 24, 2007 (4:13 pm)

I have recently bought a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport.
 
The previous owner (in my family) actually bought it with the Firestone tires and they shredded to pieces one day at low speed (no damage to anyone or anything thank God).
 
Ford immediately replaced the tires for some P235/75R15 Michelin that were always kept at around 30 psi.
 
Nonetheless, now that i got this car, and after reading the manual and the dozens of websites regarding tire pressure and danger issues on the Ford Explorer i dont know what the correct tire pressure should be.
 
The door indicates 26 psi but that is supposed to be the "dangerous" underpressure level of most accidents right?
 
Someone told me they should be inflated at 35 psi but that seems way high to me.
 
Can anyone tell me what is the real safe and official tire pressure I should use this this Michelins?
 
Thanks a lot!!!

#2 of 20 Re: Safe Tire Pressure on Michelins ??? [zevoruko] by bioman

May 25, 2007 (4:14 am)

Replying to: zevoruko (May 24, 2007 4:13 pm)
During the Firestone issue Ford sent out a replacement decal, to be placed over the old tire inflation decal located on the driver’s side door opening that suggested tire pressure of 30 PSI. The 26 PSI was not dangerous, but if one did not check tire pressure regularly it was a very low starting point. Over time if one did not check tire pressure one might have created a serious condition. The low tire pressure plus the poor design quality of the Firestone tires created a dangerous situation which let to the failure of older tires. This plus the high center of gravity of SUV's led to disaster.
 
Hope this helps

#3 of 20 Thanks, that is the precise info I needed!!! by zevoruko

May 25, 2007 (2:34 pm)

Thanks a lot bioman, I dont live in the USA even though my Explorer was built there so I never got the new door sticker with the correct pressure indications and its amazing that Ford doesnt publish that in their website.
 
Great info, thanks a lot for your help

#4 of 20 reducing tire size by skyking1940

Aug 09, 2007 (5:07 pm)

Replying to: zevoruko (May 25, 2007 2:34 pm)
I am purchasing a 1996 Ford Bronco professionally lifted with 37" tires. Would it be feasible to reduce the tires to 33" or even 31" ? The present are on factory 15 " wheels. What are the advantages of this reduction in ride, and gas mileage ?

#5 of 20 Re: reducing tire size [skyking1940] by dtownmil

Dec 28, 2007 (12:26 pm)

Replying to: skyking1940 (Aug 09, 2007 5:07 pm)
This depends upon the gear ratio in the axles and tranny. If this Bronc has the stock gearing, then you will get Waaaaay better mileage and accelleration with the 31'' tires. -

#6 of 20 "Feathering" of tires 2004 Sport Trac by henn1234

Jan 23, 2008 (4:03 pm)

My driver side front tire began feathering at 13,000 miles. Dealer has worked on alignment, adding camber cams and aligning it several different ways, even out of specs. Soon the passenger side started doing the same. After out of spec adjustment the driver side began wearing unevenly on the outside of the tire, (same as inside). It has been aligned approx every 3000 miles and they can't seem to fix it. The vehicle has 45000 miles on it now. Tie Rods have been replaced also. Two sets of tires ruined and need new ones now.
 
I hope someone has an idea what is going on. I am tired of being mad everytime I go somewhere because of the thumping created by the feathering of the tires.
 
Thanks,
Hen

#8 of 20 2003 Explorer Chrome Wheel Rust by scottg3

May 09, 2008 (6:04 am)

I am having an issue where the steel chromed wheels on my Explorer Limited are rusting from the inside out...the chrome is chipping off and thus throwing my wheels out of balance. The dealer and Ford Corporate were not helpful in solving my problem. The best answer I got was to buy 4 new wheels..a $1,600 expense...does anyone else exeperience this? Any suggestions?

#9 of 20 Re: "Feathering" of tires 2004 Sport Trac [henn1234] by lone10wolf

Jun 13, 2008 (4:39 pm)

Replying to: henn1234 (Jan 23, 2008 4:03 pm)
Hen,
 
I also have a 2004 Sport Trac and have been experiencing the same problem with my tires that you describe as "feathering." I have been referring to the problem as "cupping" where the inside edge of the front tires are worn unevenly and little "ramps" are formed on the tread. It drives me crazy to hear and feel all of the thumping. I have spent about $1000 with balancing and alignment. I even bought two new tires for the front and in a matter of 10,000 miles, the cupping was evident again. Nobody seems to understand what is going on. And the dealer is mostly dummying up for fear that I am going to go after Ford for a remedy. Goodyear has told me that the only next step they would recommend is to replace the shocks, although they don't appear to be bad with only 43,000 miles on the truck. Like you, I am sick and tired of this problem. Did you ever figure out what the problem is and how to solve it?
 
Best regards,
 
Jeff

#10 of 20 What tires do I buy ? by trailsandroads

Sep 27, 2008 (3:37 pm)

Hopefully someone here knows what tire gets the best mileage and wear. I have a 2004 Explorer that takes 235/70R/16 tires. My mom has a 2003 explorer when she needed tires after 43,000 miles on the factory Michellin Cross Terrians. Now her explorer has GoodYears Wrangler Silent Aurmors on it. They handle good but they give you bad gas mileage even one year later and 13,000 miles of driving after buying them. They won't be on my 2004. Any suggestions would help.

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