F 150 4WD Pickup V8-5.4L SOHC VIN 5 (2004)
Steering Gear: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering/Wheels/Tires - Vibration at 60 MPH
TSB 06-12-4
06/26/06
STEERING WHEEL NIBBLE AT OR ABOVE 60 MPH
(100 KM/H) - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 8/20/2003
FORD:
2004 F-150
This article supersedes TSB 03-20-8 to update the Service Procedure and Parts Numbers.
ISSUE
Some F-150 vehicles built prior to 8/20/2003 (excluding F-150 Heritage), may exhibit a steering wheel shimmy / nibble at 60 MPH (100 Km/h) and
greater speeds. The condition is felt in the steering wheel as a side-to-side, or rotational, oscillation. When measured (sensor on steering wheel) with an
Electronic Vibration Analyzer (EVA), the measured frequency is between 12-16 Hz.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE
BEFORE BEGINNING THIS PROCEDURE, ENSURE THAT THE TIRES DO NOT HAVE FLAT SPOTS. IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO
DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR UP TO 20 MILES (32 KM) TO ELIMINATE THIS CONDITION.
1.
Proceed to Step 2 for 4X4 vehicles and directly to Step 3 for 4X2 vehicles.
NOTE
IF NOT DRIVEN TO REMOVE FLAT SPOTS, THE TIRE BALANCE AND ROAD FORCE MEASUREMENTS MAY BE INACCURATE.
NOTE
IF THE VIBRATION GOES AWAY DURING THE 20 MILE (32 KM) DRIVE, THE CONCERN IS DUE TO TIRE FLAT SPOTTING WHICH
IS A NORMAL TIRE CONDITION. NO FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS SHOULD BE PERFORMED.
2.
Check the integrated wheel end (IWE) on 4X4 units. Raise the front of the vehicle (wheels off the ground), engine running, and vehicle in 2WD
mode. The front half shafts should not turn when wheels are rotated by hand. If the IWE is functioning correctly proceed to Step 3. If not, refer to
Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07 to repair IWE first. Then proceed to Step 3.
3.
If road force measurement equipment (Hunter GSP9700/9712, or equivalent) is available, proceed to Step 4. If not, check wheel balance, and
rebalance as required to achieve less than 0.35 oz. (log) of imbalance. Refer to TSB 05-26-24 for tire / wheel run-out diagnostics. After optimizing
tire / wheel run-out, test drive the vehicle. If the concern is corrected, return the vehicle to the customer. If not, proceed to Step 5.
NOTE
THE PROCEDURE IN THIS TSB IS FAR MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN USING ROAD FORCE MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT. ONLY USE A
STANDARD BALANCER AND MANUALLY CHECK RUN OUT WHEN ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. THERE IS A WEBSITE
AVAILABLE (WWW.GSP9700.COM) TO LOCATE THE NEAREST FACILITY THAT HAS THIS TYPE OF EQUIPMENT.
NOTE
SUPPRESS ROUND OFF FUNCTION ON ROAD FORCE BALANCER TO ALLOW ACTUAL RESIDUALS TO BE DISPLAYED.
4.
Perform the road force measurement immediately after driving the vehicle. Remove the wheel cover and wheel assembly. Measure the road force
variation of all four tires. Measure and mark the tire HIGH road force variation point (R1H) on all four tires prior to dismounting them from the
road force measurement equipment. Balance as required to 0.35 oz. (log) or less of imbalance (check both two-plane and static). If any wheel
assembly measures more than the values listed in the chart below for R1H, refer to TSB 05-26-24 for tire / wheel run-out diagnostics. If a tire /
wheel assembly can not be brought within the R1H values listed in the chart using TSB 05-26-24, replace the tire and re-check. If less than the
values listed, test drive the vehicle. If the concern is corrected, return the vehicle to the customer. If not, proceed to Step 5.
