Explorer 4WD V8-4.6L (2008)
Tires: Customer Interest
4X4/AWD System - Shudder On Accel/Decel/Binding On Turns
TSB 08-21-11
10/27/08
4 WHEEL DRIVE/ALL WHEEL DRIVE - WITH
CONTROL TRAC - SHUDDER ON
ACCELERATION/DECELERATION OR BINDING ON
SLOW TURNS
FORD:
1997-2008 Expedition, Explorer
2006-2008 F-150
2007-2008 Explorer Sport Trac
2008 F-150
LINCOLN:
1998-2008 Navigator
2003-2005 Aviator
MERCURY:
2005 Mountaineer
2006-2008 Mountaineer
ISSUE
Various 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with either 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive and equipped with control trac may exhibit a shudder on
acceleration/deceleration, binding in slow speed turns or noise from the front driveline and/or transfer case. The shudder/binding will occur with the
vehicle being operated in the awd/auto 4x4 mode. The shudder/binding may be due to incorrect tire circumference or improper tire inflation pressures.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE
THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO 2006-2008 MOUNTAINEER WITH A 4.0L ENGINE OR 2007-2008 EXPLORER AND SPORT TRAC WITH 20
INCH WHEELS.
NOTE
VEHICLES ON THE LIST MAY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF TIRE/S IF THE TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE AVERAGE BETWEEN THE
FRONT AND REAR AXLES ARE OUTSIDE OF THE 1/2 INCH SPECIFICATION OR IF THE TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE FROM SIDE TO
SIDE ON EITHER AXLE EXCEEDS 1/2 INCH DIFFERENCE, THE SMALLER TIRE(S) MUST BE REPLACED.
NOTE
REVIEW THE WARRANTY AND POLICY MANUAL FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY TIRE REPLACEMENT WARRANTY BEFORE
PERFORMING THE SERVICE PROCEDURE.
NOTE
ONLY USE REPLACEMENT TIRE AND WHEEL THAT ARE THE SAME SIZE, LOAD INDEX, SPEED RATING AND TYPE (SUCH AS
P-METRIC VERSUS LT-METRIC OR ALL-SEASON VERSUS ALL-TERRAIN) AS THOSE ORIGINALLY PROVIDED BY FORD. THE
RECOMMENDED TIRE AND WHEEL SIZE MAY BE FOUND ON EITHER THE SAFETY COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION LABEL OR
THE TIRE LABEL WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE B-PILLAR OR EDGE OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR.
NOTE
ON SOME 4WD MODELS, THE INITIAL SHIFT FROM 2WD TO 4WD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING CAN CAUSE A MOMENTARY
CLUNK AND/OR BRIEF RATCHETING SOUND. THESE SOUNDS ARE NORMAL AS THE FRONT DRIVETRAIN COMES UP TO SPEED
AND IS NOT CAUSE FOR CONCERN.
1.
Review the tire label for correct tire size and tire inflation pressures located at the B-Pillar of the driver's door.
2.
If the tire size does not match the label, this procedure does not apply, follow normal Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics.
3.
If the tire size is correct, ensure tire pressures are within specifications.