Shuddering or Vibration at speeds above 45-50 all the way up to 80-85mph

[jasonator]

I do not suspect a tire balance issue...it almost feels like a wheel bearing, but the truck likes to shudder/vibrate at random and not at all times above the 45MPH mark. I typically do 75-80 on a long stretch of hwy to and from work and is getting increasingly worse. I plan to take it in, but figured Id start here with a post first.

TY.

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[Heliian]

suspect a tire balance issue.

Always suspect tire balance first, it's the easiest to rectify.

Are you on the original tires still?

 

[NCevGuyF150]

I do not suspect a tire balance issue...it almost feels like a wheel bearing, but the truck likes to shudder/vibrate at random and not at all times above the 45MPH mark. I typically do 75-80 on a long stretch of hwy to and from work and is getting increasingly worse. I plan to take it in, but figured Id start here with a post first.

TY.

I always suspect tire balance first. Then I checked the tires. It could be a bad tire. A wheel bearing is a possibility, however not likely. But you never know.

 

[Rvigtx12]

I am sharing this because of my most recent experience. I had a shudder problem that I was sure would be a structural type issue due to the consistency and severity of the “vibration”. I had already reached out to the Ford Lightning team as I was becoming frustrated. They suggested tire balance/rotation, having it aligned, etc. I was prepared to fight a battle. My 2023 platinum had 49,000 miles. I took it in to an independent but trusted tire facility and when they inspected it pre-balancing. To my surprise, they noticed and showed me that one of the rear tires had a significant “bow” in it-not a typical bubble, but an extended raised area that I had never noticed. After having the tires replaced-the shudder is gone. I’m not suggesting this is everyone’s problem as I have read about the need for some to have thier front motor replaced or something like that. I just wanted to share because when they mentioned tires from the Ford team-I thought's the were crazy.

 

[Adventureboy]

I am sharing this because of my most recent experience. I had a shudder problem that I was sure would be a structural type issue due to the consistency and severity of the “vibration”. I had already reached out to the Ford Lightning team as I was becoming frustrated. They suggested tire balance/rotation, having it aligned, etc. I was prepared to fight a battle. My 2023 platinum had 49,000 miles. I took it in to an independent but trusted tire facility and when they inspected it pre-balancing. To my surprise, they noticed and showed me that one of the rear tires had a significant “bow” in it-not a typical bubble, but an extended raised area that I had never noticed. After having the tires replaced-the shudder is gone. I’m not suggesting this is everyone’s problem as I have read about the need for some to have thier front motor replaced or something like that. I just wanted to share because when they mentioned tires from the Ford team-I thought's the were crazy.

What tires had the problem? I've seen a number of cases with sidewall failures on the early Grabbers. Mine seem to be fine...

 

[Rvigtx12]

I had the Generals on mine. While the area that was raised was obvious once pointed out - i had not noticed them while detailing my truck. I only hand wash it because i have it wrapped in mat black. I replaced them with Michelin Defenders.

 

[Athrun88]

It's almost always tire balance or improperly seated rims to the wheel hub. Have you recently rotated or otherwise touched the wheels at all? Some tire places will just wrench the nuts without paying attention to how the wheels are aligned on the hub or if there are any obstructions between the two surfaces. I've had to redo/retorque my wheels occasionally after getting work done which fixed any vibration issue I had at the time. Could also be an imbalance of air pressure between the corners, maybe check that too.

 

[jasonator]

I replaced a tire a few weeks back with a used low mileage tire from eBay due a hole that could not be patched.
SA just called and pointed out one tire had more tread than the others. Said Ford recommends replacing all 4 tires when that happens.

Stated “EV’s and being AWD requires it”

I’t didn’t happen immediately after the replacement and still doesn’t account for pulling to the right in my opinion unless I’m missing something?

 

[WildBlue]

I replaced a tire a few weeks back with a used low mileage tire from eBay due a hole that could not be patched.
SA just called and pointed out one tire had more tread than the others. Said Ford recommends replacing all 4 tires when that happens.

Stated “EV’s and being AWD requires it”

I’t didn’t happen immediately after the replacement and still doesn’t account for pulling to the right in my opinion unless I’m missing something?

That depends. A tire with more tread will have a slightly larger diameter than the others. Due to that, a pull can develop, particularly under acceleration, where it should be pulling to the side with the smaller diameter tire.

 

[TaxmanHog]

That depends. A tire with more tread will have a slightly larger diameter than the others. Due to that, a pull can develop, particularly under acceleration, where it should be pulling to the side with the smaller diameter tire.

It also causes the differential gear set in the axle to be working more than equal diameter tires.

If I were faced with the need to replace a tire that's had substantial wear but still within safe tread depth, I'd likely replace both tires on that axle.

Since the front and rear axel's are not physically linked, I wonder if it's really needed to swap all four?

 

[jasonator]

So I did not check tread depth but the original tires were at 32K miles and the new/used tire was just that...used and in great shape...Lets assume 10K miles.

I don't drive hard and the tires all appear in great shape even at 32k miles. I expect to get 50-60k like I normally do.

So lets assume again and say there is a solid 1/4" difference. The larger tire is on the right side and the pull is to the right.

Would the size difference also cause the shudder? Mind you it was/is a very noticeable shudder.

I must admit I am finding it hard to accept that 1 tire with a marginal size difference would be the cause. I guess its up to the dealer to finish figuring this out.

 

[jasonator]

Current update: they have rotated the tires, balanced the tires, done a front end alignment, rear end alignment, ruled out wheel bearing, reset the ABS, did a mechanical shakedown and was just reported they will be looking into the steering rack.

Hmmmmm.

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