Need help on a 2002 F150 XLT FX4

[wolfgang031691]

I just bought a 2002 F150 XLT FX4.

Under normal braking, everything is fine.

However, when I am at speeds of say 55+MPH and I brake a littler harder than normal (nothing extreme just harder than normal), then I get a vibration in the steering wheel until I get back below around 45MPH.

Is this a warped rotor? More likely the front? Would it make sense that I don't get this shimmy other times if it is a warped rotor?

Or is this possibly another problem? Worn wheel bearings? Bad idler arm? Ball joint? ABS? Other?

[BroncoJoe19]

wolfgang, I think any of the things you mentioned could be the problem, or a part of the problem. THe least likely is the ABS. And I agree you would feel a warped rotor at all speeds.

I had a similar experience with my windstar, one of the inner tie rod ends was shot. I replaced the inner and outer on the passenger side. That pretty much took care of the problem. A still have a slight pulsing so next time I do brakes I'll replace the rotors too. The shimmy however was caused by the loose front end.

[wolfgang031691]

Thanks for the response.

Wouldn't a loose inner tie-rod shimmy at all speeds too?

Is there a way to inspect the inner tie-rod?

[BroncoJoe19]

Wouldn't a loose inner tie-rod shimmy at all speeds too?

Mine didn't

Is there a way to inspect the inner tie-rod?

Yep!



It is easiest with two people.
Jack one side of the front up and put it on a sturdy jack stand.
Grab the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock and wiggle it toe in and toe out. If it wiggles, something is loose/worn.
Next have your partner wiggle it in and out, while you examine underneath if you see any joints wiggling AT ALL that/those joints need to be replaced.

For upper and lower ball joints, I use a brick as a fulcrum, and a 2"x3" x 6 foot piece of lumber as a lever. Looking from the front, I'll lever the tire up and down, and in and out a bit and observe any wiggle movement in the ball joints. These are a bigger job on a 4X4.

Haynes and chilton's should be able to give you a pretty good walk though of how it is done.

[wolfgang031691]

Thanks. I'm going to check it out tonight.

[pacific pete]

Had the same problem on my 2002 ford 150 4x4. I put new rotors on the front, changed the tie rod ends, all were worn,and the truck only has 43000miles. I used MOOG parts as they have grease fittings. Hope this helps Pacific pete

[theoldwizard]

I'm betting warped rotor(s)

[rayben17]

you do not necesarily feel warped rotors at all speeds , sumtimes you have to be over highway speeds , but if vibration is only when aplying brakes , replaces pads and rotrs (because they wear together) problem will be solved!