Tires - Vibration Highway at Speeds
TSB 05-20-610/17/05
HIGHWAY SPEED VIBRATION - VEHICLES BUILT
BEFORE 7/1/2005 EQUIPPED WITH CONTITRAC
P235/70R16 104T TIRES
FORD:
2005-2006 Escape
MERCURY:
2005-2006 Mariner
This article supersedes TSB 05-9-13 to update the Service Procedure.
ISSUE
Some 2005-2006 Escapes/Mariners built before 7/1/2005 equipped with Continental Contitrac(TM) P235/70R16 104T tires only, may exhibit a vibration at highway speeds over a wide speed range.
ACTION
Refer to the following Service Procedure to check the vehicle tires to determine if any need replacement. Only replace the individual tires identified as requiring replacement by the Service Procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
NOTE
THIS MESSAGE IS INTENDED TO ADDRESS FIRST ORDER TIRE VIBRATIONS.
NOTE
THE 20 MILE (32 KM) VIBRATION EVALUATION MUST BE PERFORMED TO REMOVE FLAT SPOTS. IF NOT, THE TIRE BALANCE AND ROAD FORCE MEASUREMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCURATE.
1. Drive the vehicle at highway speeds for 20 miles (32 km) to evaluate the vibration and eliminate flat spotting.
NOTE
IF THE VIBRATION GOES AWAY DURING THE 20 MILE (32 KM) VIBRATION EVALUATION, THE CONCERN IS DUE TO TIRE FLAT SPOTTING, WHICH IS A NORMAL TIRE CONDITION. NO FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS SHOULD BE PERFORMED.
2. If road force measurement equipment (Hunter G5P9700/9712, or equivalent) is available, proceed to Step 3. If not, balance the tires with a standard balancer and use a dial indicator to locate and mark the high point of each tire's centerline radial runout. Record the runout measurement of each tire and wheel assembly. If this measurement exceeds .040" (1.02 mm) check to see if the wheel is bent or damaged. If the excess runout is attributable to the tire, replace with the appropriate (BSW or OWL) Continental P235/70R16 tire. The Continental Part Number for BSW is 9002 1548250-0000, the OWL Part Number is 9002 1548100-0000. Proceed to Steps 5 and 6.
NOTE
DO NOT USE THE SPARE TIRE AS A REPLACEMENT.
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 TO LOCATE THE NEAREST FACILITY WITH ROAD FORCE EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE.
NOTE
SUPPRESS ROUND OFF FUNCTION ON ROAD FORCE BALANCER TO ALLOW ACTUAL RESIDUALS TO BE DISPLAYED.
3. Perform the road force measurement immediately after driving the vehicle. Remove the wheel assemblies. Measure the road force variation of all four (4) tires. Measure and mark the tire HIGH road force variation point (R1H) on all four (4) 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 18 lbs (8 kg) for R1H then proceed to Step 4. If less proceed to Step 5.
4. Using the road force measurement equipment, determine the low spot of the wheel run out. Match high point force variation on the tire with the low spot of wheel run out. If the wheel assembly is now acceptable, continue with rebalance. If not, replace the tire with the appropriate (BSW or OWL) Continental P235/70R16 tire. The Continental Part Number for BSW is 9002 1548250-0000, the OWL Part Number is 9002 1548100-0000. Proceed to Steps 5 and 6.
5. Install the lowest R1H level tires on the front of the vehicle.
6. Install the lug nuts and torque to 98 lb-ft (133 N-m).
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
052006A 2005-2006 Escape/Mariner 0.8 Hr
Built Before July 1, 2005:
20 Mile (33Km) Vibration
Evaluation, If Concern Is
Solved, Return To
Customer
052006B 2005-2006 Escape/Mariner 1.2 Hrs
Built Before July 1, 2005:
20 Mile (33Km) Vibration
Evaluation, Balance 4
Tires
052006C 2005-2006 Escape/Mariner 1.8 Hrs
Built Before July 1, 2005:
20 Mile (33Km) Vibration
Evaluation, Balance 4
Tires, Re-index 4 Tires,
Re-balance
052006D 2005-2006 Escape/Mariner 2.2 Hrs
Built Before July 1, 2005:
20 Mile (33Km) Vibration
Evaluation, Balance 4
Tires, Re-index 4 Tires,
Re-balance 4 Tires,
Replace 1 Tire
052006E 2005-2006 Escape/Mariner 2.6 Hrs
Built Before July 1, 2005:
20 Mile (33Km) Vibration
Evaluation, Balance 4
Tires, Re-index 4 Tires,
Re-balance 4 Tires,
Replace 4 Tires (Do not
use with operation 1007D,
1007AT, 1007AF,
1007AFT, 1OO7AB,
1007ABT, 1007D2A,
1007D2B, 1007AD2C,
1007AD2T, 1007D3T,
1007D3F, 1007D3FT,
1007D3B, 1007D3BT)
DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
(OPERATION A) NPF 82 (NPF)
(OPERATION B, C) ALBAL D9 (ALBAL)
(OPERATION D, E) TIRE 13 (TIRE)
Disclaimer