I have a 2007 F-150 4x4 Lariat with the 20” Pirelli Scorpions. Local dealership & I have been trying to resolve what was thought to be a balance/bad tire problem. However, we have not been able to make it go away. Every morning when I hit the freeway, I get a shake between 60 & 70 mph (very noticeable). Three of the four tires have been replaced by the dealership (they claimed flat spots) and rotation was done at 5000 miles. I also paid to have all four balanced at an independent (in addition to three separate balances by dealership). Interesting twist is that is does go away after several miles. Could it be a bad shock that warms up? Or, is there some kind of shock on the steering (I haven’t gotten underneath to look)? I’m in Phoenix, so there’s no “cold tire” type situation like when I lived in Minnesota. I’m coming up on my 12 month/12,000 mile mark and want this resolved. Any ideas/suggestions are appreciated. Tim

 

This has been discussed in depth. Search around for some threads about it.

 

Yep, very common problem with the oem Pirelli's. THey flatspot overnight and then the vibration this causes will go away when the tires heat up. I never even knew this was possible with a radial tire untill the Fords with these Pirelli's hit the market. I thought this was a problem associated with bias ply tires only.

 

Thanks for the replies. Have search the threads and looks like this is common and related directly to the Pirelli's. I'll try the 40psi that some of you mention this weekend (note that my sticker on the pillar and door both say 35psi). If that doesn't change anything, will talk to the dealership again - they have been very accomidating, so far. Anyone know what comes on the 2008 for 20"?

 

I don't know what is oem for 08. I'd ask the dealership to buy you a set of quality tires, not another set of oem junk.

 

Have they road force balanced you tires and wheels yet? I have worked 8 years now for a huge west coast tire dealer and the best thing that ever happened to us with trouble vehicles is the road force balancer. If done right it will match the sweet spot of the wheel no matter how big to the sweet spot of the tire. But if the flat spot problem is correct the road force is worthless.

 

I have an 07, 20" wheels/tires exactly the same issue. I've had it at Ford, and Sears(independant balance)...with the exact issue above.

I'll try the 40psi trick today, since I'm going to pickup a trailer(about an hour drive)... if that doesn't work, I'll try the road-force balance and see if that works out.

The truck just hit 4,000 miles.

 

There have been many post on this. The problem is not an issue with balancing, it's the low quality tires flatspotting. That's why the vibration goes away after driving a few miles.

 

ive got the same issue with mine. had it with the factory OEM on the 18inch texas edition. Now I have it with my 22 inch wheels as well. Usually between 55-65 mph. Its annoying, but i live with it..