Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum, and I'm having some issues with my 2007 F150, Lariat edition. Looking for some advice, so when I take it to the mechanic it's not a "I don't know what's wrong".

I've had a wicked wobble in the truck. Replaced both front tie rods (inner & outer)... which were ridiculously loose. Put new brakes on at the same time.
Still have a wobble, but it's not as bad... I'm thinking it may be the same issue in the back - Or I need new tires. Not sure. Problem is, following the brake install, I drove about 50km and the driver side wheel was smoking big time. Checked that nothing was seized, continued driving a bit further and the smoking stopped. That tire can get quite hot though.
Last night, I had to go about 60km away, and the tire pressure fault sensor error came up. Checked the pressure on all wheels, and they were all fine. I'm suspecting it's this drivers side front that's giving me the trouble as I'm starting to feel a wobble in the front again... but I don't know. Could it just be the tire? Or am I looking at something bigger with the wheel assembly itself? It's got some big Kelly tires on it, about 50psi in each.

Also, about a week ago, I've started to get a stutter or cough between 80-90 km/h. If I take it out of overdrive, it stops.. but then my rev's are up... push that button again, and the coughs start up again... If I accelerate, and get to 90km/h it stops. Could this be a sensor as well? Or am I looking at tranny / overdrive issues?

I guess my question is.. any ideas of what these issues are, and/or required fixes. I'm hesitant in going into a mechanic with no information... Big truck, woman, no information... I don't want to put a ton of money into this thing if it's not worth it. Really don't want to

Details are:
2007 F150 Lariat 4x4
235,000 km

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide!

 

Sounds like you might have a bad wheel bearing if the wheel/tire are getting that hot. I'd definitely check your front rotors and wheel bearings. Also, the wobble could be related to the bearing failing/not being torques properly. I wouldn't drive it any further or you risk the wheel coming off while in motion, seriously.

As far as the engine stumble, I'd probably check the codes to see if any of the cylinders is misfiring. Usually a coil on one cylinder will be the culprit.

 

Jack up that wheel and turn it to see if the bearing is making noise. Grab the wheel an try to turn it at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position. If the bearing is tight and not making any noise, it could be the brakes sticking. Most likely, it would be the caliper sticking but it could also be caused by the flexible brake hose. Check the other wheels for high temp to see if they are sticking.

 

Another possibility is since he just had the front brakes done, the pads are backwards. The pads with the ears are placed on the inside and are binding against the caliper housing not allowing the brakes to fully release. Simple fix, put the pad with the ears on the outside away from the piston.

 

And, lube the caliper at the sliding surfaces.

 

Low grade misfire. Time for new spark plugs and possibly one or more coils.