Symptoms:

I just bought this truck for a really good price 4 weeks ago but I am afraid I might loose my shirt on this deal. Ever since I got this truck, this Ford Explorer vibrates the steering wheel at 20-30 mph and at idle speed whether the trany is in park or in gear. I sent it to a front alignment shop where alignment was checked OK. They also flushed the steering system fearing the fluid could be contaminated. All front-end parts were thoroughly inspected but found nothing unusual. I also tried another shop to look at it and they tried replacing the rack and pinion assembly but no change either. Now the steering wheel is really noisy every time you turn the wheels in either direction. Suggestions?

Tire Problem Advisor:

Since there is no problem found on the suspension parts, I would look closely with your tires. There is a possibility that the tires you have is not the one recommended by the truck manufacturer. You can check this by reading the tire sidewall of the tires and comparing them with your truck’s owner’s manual. Make sure the speed rating and size required for this truck matches what you see in the tire’s sidewall.

Try also to contact your Ford dealership regarding some service bulletins on this type of tires:

Ford Bulletins #: 98-17-17 issued for Explorer 95-98 models

This bulletins calls for checking the ride height of this vehicle. When set properly, it can minimize the possibility of poor handling ability, drift and pull including premature tire wear. Please call your local dealer to confirm.

Notes:

Above repair is only a recommendation and you do this at your own risk. Always have your vehicle align after replacing the tires to prevent repetition of the problem.

When in doubt and as a last resort bring your vehicle to authorized Ford dealer shop to make sure this tire problem is resolved.