Expedition 4WD V8-5.4L SOHC VIN 5 (2005)
Steering Gear: Customer Interest
Steering/Tires/Wheels - Steering Wheel Nibble at 65MPH
TSB 05-7-2
04/18/05
STEERING WHEEL NIBBLE AT 65 MPH (105 KM/H)
OR HIGHER
FORD:
2003-2005 Expedition
LINCOLN:
2003-2005 Navigator
This article supersedes TSB 03-12-07 to add model years and update the Service Procedure.
ISSUE
Some Expedition/Navigator may exhibit a steering wheel nibble (side-to-side or rotational oscillation) at 65 MPH (105 km/h) or higher.
ACTION
Refer to the Diagnostic Overview. Based on the customer's description of the concern, find the appropriate Operating Condition and Probable Cause. If
the vehicle concern and operating conditions match those on the Diagnostic Overview, follow the TSB Service Procedure to repair.
NOTE
IT IS CRITICAL TO IDENTIFY SPECIFIC VEHICLE SPEEDS AND OPERATING CONDITIONS WHEN THE VIBRATION OR NIBBLE IS
OCCURRING TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE ISSUE. TIRE AND DRIVELINE VIBRATION CAN FEEL SIMILAR. USE OF
AN ELECTRONIC VIBRATION ANALYZER (EVA) OR VETRONIX VIBRATION ANALYZER IS RECOMMENDED TO CORRECTLY
IDENTIFY VIBRATION SOURCES (ORDERS) AND FREQUENCY (HZ).
SERVICE INFORMATION
NOTE
NIBBLE CANNOT BE ELIMINATED WITHOUT PROPER TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE.
1.
Drive the vehicle at highway speeds for at least 20 miles (33 km) to eliminate the flat spotting. Install an EVA or Vetronix vibration analyzer and
have an assistant monitor and record the reading near the end of the 20 miles (33 km) drive and while at the peak of the vibration.
a.
If the vibration goes away during the 20 mile (33 km) drive, the concern is due to temporary tire flat spotting which is a normal tire
condition. Do not continue with this TSB.
b.
If the vibration remains, proceed to Step 2 for 4x4 vehicles, or to Step 3 for 4x2 vehicles.
NOTE
THE VEHICLE MUST BE DRIVEN TO REMOVE TIRE FLAT SPOTS, THE TIRE BALANCE AND ROAD FORCE MEASUREMENTS MAY
BE INACCURATE OTHERWISE.
