This has been kind of a perplexing problem - looking for some input before I start throwing money at this.

'03 F-150 STX with factory Goodyear Wrangler RT/S P265/70R/17 (51K)

Bought the truck used at 30K.
Within the first 2 months, I noticed a shaking steering wheel when I hit a good sized bump in the road. Also noticed the front tires wearing badly.

Had an alignment done, but still noticed the problem with the shaking steering when hitting a bump. Rotated the tires front to back which solved that problem. Now I do notice a thumping in the rear tire ~50mph, and an occasional front to back hop of the truck.

OK - must be a bad tire I am thinking.

Now, I am getting a shimmy in the truck when I brake. Recently replaced the rear pads (no rotors) and didn't have this brake shimmy before or after the brake change.

So, are my front rotors all of a sudden warped, or could this tire be causing the brake vibration?

I can't pinpoint where the brake vibration is coming from - don't really feel it in the pedal or the steering wheel.

Is it at all possible that this one bad tire be now causing a brake vibration? I need to ask, because I really think it is the tire, but don't see how that tire would cause a vibration in the truck when braking.

Thanks for any input or experiences.

 

You would be surprised how much trouble bad tires can be. To be sure you can find a friend with good tires, and swap them for a test drive. If yours drives ok, and your friend's drive terrible then you'll know it is the tires.

Have the idler arm checked out to see if it is bad.

 

1)Start with the tires you got bad wear on them and 51k...What else would you like out of em they have done their job

2)Run away from Goodyear they are junk....

3)Find a good shop, shouldn't take em more than a couple minutes to diagnose.

Sounds like tires to me....Vibrations at speed always is...Or worst case Ball joints which should have been caught on the alignment? My lowers were shot at 46k, and Ford f150, Exped, Explor, etc this design chews em up.

Did you have the rotors turned when you did the brakes....should have
Vibration when braking is, well...........brakes.....

Go get the rotors turned, all four of em.....Shaking in the wheel is indicative of front shaking in the seat is indicative of rear.

And to tell you the truth 51k is early for the rear brakes to be replaced....Especially on a truck, i'll probably get 80k on mine and am running 36 in h tires.

Peace

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the input folks -

Since I need tires anyway, I am going to start there - and while I am at it get all 4 rotors turned, and put new front pads on.

The guy who does my alignment and state inspections is really particular about ball joints and front end, so I am putting my trust in him about my front end.