Hello,
06 Ford E350 automatic w/168,000 miles
I bought this rig about a year ago as an alternative to a truck for hauling and towing for $4k. Came with a salvage title, but the guy I bought it from showed me the pictures from the auction site ( bumper, grill, headlights, and hood damaged), all issues appeared cosmetic only.
The initial tires were slightly oversized, alignment was a little off, and some scalloping/cupping on all 4 tires. I replaced all 4 tires with correct size, had an alignment, and of course wheel balancing.
Wife won't drive it because she doesn't feel safe in it. Steering is a bit loose (drives like an old truck), and it gets a little shaky at high speeds 65mph+
Outer tie rods have a little play, as does the steering rack and the wheel bearings. Not sure where to start to make it easier/safer to drive. Replacing the tie rods may tighten up the steering a bit, but probably isn't the cause of the old tires cupping or the high speed shaking. Stuts look original.
Wondering where to start, not looking to pour a ton of money into this. Where should I start, wheels re-balanced, new struts, tie rods....?
Thanks for your help,
Why don't you start at the source and look at the steering shaft? There may be some bushings that are completely worn out, and the shaft may be moving too much. On a recent Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics, Ivan found that this was the case with steering problems on an old Lexus.
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll be sure to look at that. I don't think that would cause the shake/shimmy at high speeds which is the greatest concern.
You need to find a reputed front end shop, and have them thoroughly diagnose your issue.
All bets are off with it being a salvage title.
Could be the struts too, if they’re original, but you want a pro to diagnose it.
Don’t just throw parts at it & hope for the best.
Good luck!
Thanks, it's certainly worth a $100 or so to get a better idea of where to start.
Local front end shop guy I talked to, said to reduce the tire pressure first before bringing it in. 80 psi in the rear is not necessary unless I'm fully loaded or towing a big trailer.
I'm going to try that out the next time I take it out for a drive.
What does your owner’s manual recommend you set your tyre pressure, for a normally loaded vehicle?