Getting worried - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

PLRBEAR · 05-19-2001, 06:15 PM

Hey guys, i've got a problem. I recently checked the tires on my X, and found cracks developing around the rear tires. The cracks are occuring between the thread and the sidewall. I went to see a Firestone dealer about this, and he said that it's normal wear caused by the swaying of the truck....i think that's bull.
I am going to replace these tires with Yokohama Geolandar AT+s, but won't be able to do so until June due to financial reasons. Anyone had cracks like these before?

mdrut · 05-19-2001, 08:25 PM

Had cracks on all 4 of my recalls..Check the airpressure and take it easy until you can get them replaced..

*01EB5.0* · 05-20-2001, 02:47 AM

SO I take it your firestones arnm't under recall? I hear if you go to ford and make a stink about them they may replace them for you anyways. I have 16" so I have nopt tried it yet, but if it works for you let me know! as long as your air pressure is in an acceptable range (32-38) then I would say just keep a close eye on the tires.

yob_yeknom · 05-20-2001, 11:36 AM

Do like Travis said, go make a fuss. A guy I work with had Firestones on his Ch*vy van and got free, new Bridgestone tires. The Firestone place wouldn't do it, but after making a fuss at the Ford place he got his new tires.

kvo · 05-21-2001, 01:29 PM

That's the formula for a disaster. Defnitely go to your local Ford Dealer, even if you have 16" tires, tell them about it and explain to them that they are accepting total liability and risk if they do not replace them free of charge for you. It's an unofficial policy but since the tire fiasco last year, they have been more than willing to replace them. This unofficial policy was reported in the news last year, around the same time as the recalls. Make a big fuzz with the store manager/general manager/ even call thr Ford Zone representative if you have to. It's a matter of life or death situation as I see it.

*01EB5.0* · 05-22-2001, 07:01 AM

I wonder if I go make a stink if ford would only install the tires they normally carry or if I could tell them what I want. I don't want any of the tires my dealer displays as replacements. they are all cheap OEM type tires. I would rather go with something a bit wider and more truck-like. I was thinking LT265/70/R16 Goodyear Wrangler AT/S or something similar. SHould I just go to goodyear and have the new ones put on, then bring the 16" 'stones to ford for money?

kvo · 05-22-2001, 10:16 AM

You're in luck.

Ford just announced another Firestone AT tires recall, this time I think they are recalling all AT tires in all sizes.

Now, you can get new tires w/o having to duke it out with the dealer. Keep your eyes on the news or internet wire services for more information.

Karman · 05-22-2001, 11:32 AM

Looking at your sig - your X is a '95. Do you still have the original tires? If so, they are approaching 7 years old. Even at 10K a year, they would have 60K+ on them. The cracking may just be age-related rot.

guggy · 05-22-2001, 05:57 PM

I was mad as hell 2 weeks ago when i went into firestone and told them i had cracks under the treads of my tires. These tires are not original and i have no mods that would affect the tires also i haven't done any off roading (yet) .

When i spoke to the firestone dealership a guy told me that "As long as the tire hold air there is nothing he can do for me"

I almost fricken lost it !!!!!!!!! I advised him that if i blow a tire on the road after having see firestone with my problem i would sue !

Well i hope my 235/75/15 's are under this Ford recall because i had firestone tires and there crappy service !!!

PLRBEAR · 05-22-2001, 07:17 PM

Karman:
These tires are almost brand new. They still have peach fuzz coming out on the sides. When the truck was being prepped by the dealer for sale, the tires were replaced. Furthermore, the cracks only occur on the rear tires, since the tires are only on their first 7000kms. I haven't even had the chance to rotate them. In short, the tires are not 7 years old.

Everyone:

Thanks for you replies. With news that Ford is going to be "Doing the right thing", i'm feeling a lot better. My tires were made at the Jolliet plant in Quebec, and i read that tires made at that plant (and another in the US) will be recalled.

guggy · 05-24-2001, 07:44 PM

Does this mean that on;y certain winderness at's are being recalled not all ??

How can i find out which plant made my tires ??

Does anyone know ?

Thanks

PLRBEAR · 05-24-2001, 08:22 PM

No Guggy. All Wilderness ATs, regardless of size, are being recalled. As long as your tires say Wilderness AT, and it's a Ford vehicle then you'll get new tires from Ford.

guggy · 05-24-2001, 09:24 PM

Do i have to get my tires from Ford or can i just buy them at a local tire store and submit my bill ?

Thanks again

PLRBEAR · 05-25-2001, 03:51 AM

That's the part i don't get. US owners have a choice of purchasing their tires from an approved outside source. We don't. I got this information from Ford Canada and my dealer. Perhaps you should give Ford Canada and your dealer a buzz and see what you can dig out.

guggy · 05-29-2001, 09:04 PM

Great news !! I just found out than even us Canadians can buy our tires at a local tire shop and just bring the bill to FORD for a refund.. I was so happy to find this out a few days ago , sorry i had no time to reply !!

Good luck !

PLRBEAR · 05-29-2001, 09:19 PM

Yes, i just saw that on the website a few days ago. Those with 15s get CDN$180/tire, while those with 16s & 17s get CDN$210/tire! GREAT DEAL IF YOU ASK ME!

IgotTwo · 05-29-2001, 10:06 PM

PLRBER, a little help on your comment

"As long as your tires say Wilderness AT, and it's a Ford vehicle then you'll get new tires from Ford."

Does this apply to Firestone tires that are not the orginal tires from Ford? Dumb me, I bought Firestone replacements 6 month before the recall. Who would have guessed.

For what its worth:
Yes, I had cracks around the tires on my 97 just below the tread -47K ?? miles .... looked just like the close ups on the news.
Firestone dealer said it was not a problem.
Right !!! What do I have a ticket on me that says "Ellis Island!"
It was at recall time. I passed on the Firestones and opted for Michein replacements

I didn't give it too much thought, but when I got my 97, those recalled Firestones always seemed to lose pressure. I remember thinking: I never had a set of tires that lost so much pressure. I was always looking for nails in the tires. Maybe it was some kind of clue?

05-19-2001, 06:15 PM	#1
PLRBEAR Wannabe Elite Explorer Calgary,AB,Canada 95 EB 4x4 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 383 Vehicle Specs	Getting worried Hey guys, i've got a problem. I recently checked the tires on my X, and found cracks developing around the rear tires. The cracks are occuring between the thread and the sidewall. I went to see a Firestone dealer about this, and he said that it's normal wear caused by the swaying of the truck....i think that's bull. I am going to replace these tires with Yokohama Geolandar AT+s, but won't be able to do so until June due to financial reasons. Anyone had cracks like these before? __________________ 95EB 4.0 OHV V6 w/K&N FIPK;Westin Classic Brush Guard;Sony Xplode MDXC6500;Soundstream 500s;2 Kicker Comps 10";Kicker 435ix w/JBL stockers;Monroe Reflex;Michelin Cross Terrain SUV;Dynomax Super Turbo 2.25" custom cat-back; Warrior 353s;Yakima 6 ski rack. "Some things are better left unsaid.."

05-19-2001, 08:25 PM	#2
mdrut Wannabe Elite Explorer Inverness, Fl. '91 sport Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 1,096 Vehicle Specs	Had cracks on all 4 of my recalls..Check the airpressure and take it easy until you can get them replaced.. __________________ 91 sport,nicely equiped Mdrut's Rig Fl. Ex. Club

05-20-2001, 02:47 AM	#3
01EB5.0 Elite Explorer Allendale, MI 2001 Eddie Bauer V-8 AWD Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 3,705 Vehicle Specs	SO I take it your firestones arnm't under recall? I hear if you go to ford and make a stink about them they may replace them for you anyways. I have 16" so I have nopt tried it yet, but if it works for you let me know! as long as your air pressure is in an acceptable range (32-38) then I would say just keep a close eye on the tires. __________________ 2001 Eddie Bauer 5.0L V-8 AWD 152,000 miles...K&N drop-in...P275/70R16 Dueler A/T REVO (second set..first ones lasted 98,000 miles! ), OME rear suspension, TT in front, aletzzas, white gauges, painted interior

05-20-2001, 11:36 AM	#4
yob_yeknom Moderator Emeritus Rocky Mount, Virginia '97 & '01 XLTs Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 4,544 Vehicle Specs	Do like Travis said, go make a fuss. A guy I work with had Firestones on his Chvy van and got free, new Bridgestone tires. The Firestone place wouldn't do it, but after making a fuss at the Ford place he got his new tires. __________________ ~ My Mugshot 1997 XLT Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try. ~ Jedi Master Yoda*

05-21-2001, 01:29 PM	#5
kvo Wannabe Elite Explorer San Jose, CA '00 XLT (SOHC) Join Date: Mar 1999 Posts: 588 Vehicle Specs	That's the formula for a disaster. Defnitely go to your local Ford Dealer, even if you have 16" tires, tell them about it and explain to them that they are accepting total liability and risk if they do not replace them free of charge for you. It's an unofficial policy but since the tire fiasco last year, they have been more than willing to replace them. This unofficial policy was reported in the news last year, around the same time as the recalls. Make a big fuzz with the store manager/general manager/ even call thr Ford Zone representative if you have to. It's a matter of life or death situation as I see it. __________________ Hook 'Em Horns Retired '91 EB '00 XLT 4.0 SOHC - SOLD '01 Honda Odyssey EX '01 Lexus GS430

05-22-2001, 07:01 AM	#6
01EB5.0 Elite Explorer Allendale, MI 2001 Eddie Bauer V-8 AWD Join Date: Nov 1999 Posts: 3,705 Vehicle Specs	I wonder if I go make a stink if ford would only install the tires they normally carry or if I could tell them what I want. I don't want any of the tires my dealer displays as replacements. they are all cheap OEM type tires. I would rather go with something a bit wider and more truck-like. I was thinking LT265/70/R16 Goodyear Wrangler AT/S or something similar. SHould I just go to goodyear and have the new ones put on, then bring the 16" 'stones to ford for money? __________________ 2001 Eddie Bauer 5.0L V-8 AWD 152,000 miles...K&N drop-in...P275/70R16 Dueler A/T REVO (second set..first ones lasted 98,000 miles! ), OME rear suspension, TT in front, aletzzas, white gauges, painted interior

05-22-2001, 10:16 AM	#7
kvo Wannabe Elite Explorer San Jose, CA '00 XLT (SOHC) Join Date: Mar 1999 Posts: 588 Vehicle Specs	You're in luck. Ford just announced another Firestone AT tires recall, this time I think they are recalling all AT tires in all sizes. Now, you can get new tires w/o having to duke it out with the dealer. Keep your eyes on the news or internet wire services for more information. __________________ Hook 'Em Horns Retired '91 EB '00 XLT 4.0 SOHC - SOLD '01 Honda Odyssey EX '01 Lexus GS430

05-22-2001, 11:32 AM	#8
Karman Wannabe Elite Explorer Atlanta, GA '93 XLT Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 7 Vehicle Specs	Looking at your sig - your X is a '95. Do you still have the original tires? If so, they are approaching 7 years old. Even at 10K a year, they would have 60K+ on them. The cracking may just be age-related rot.

05-22-2001, 05:57 PM	#9
guggy Wannabe Elite Explorer TORONTO, ONTARIO 1998 LIMITED 4X4 SOHC Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 91 Vehicle Specs	This is how it happened to me !!! I was mad as hell 2 weeks ago when i went into firestone and told them i had cracks under the treads of my tires. These tires are not original and i have no mods that would affect the tires also i haven't done any off roading (yet) . When i spoke to the firestone dealership a guy told me that "As long as the tire hold air there is nothing he can do for me" I almost fricken lost it !!!!!!!!! I advised him that if i blow a tire on the road after having see firestone with my problem i would sue ! Well i hope my 235/75/15 's are under this Ford recall because i had firestone tires and there crappy service !!! __________________ 1998 LIMITED SOHC 4X4 K&N DROP IN , REFLEX SHOCKS BFG ALL TERRAIN T/A KO 31X10.50X15 , 3.55 GEARING NGK G POWER PLUGS

05-22-2001, 07:17 PM	#10
PLRBEAR Wannabe Elite Explorer Calgary,AB,Canada 95 EB 4x4 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 383 Vehicle Specs	Karman: These tires are almost brand new. They still have peach fuzz coming out on the sides. When the truck was being prepped by the dealer for sale, the tires were replaced. Furthermore, the cracks only occur on the rear tires, since the tires are only on their first 7000kms. I haven't even had the chance to rotate them. In short, the tires are not 7 years old. Everyone: Thanks for you replies. With news that Ford is going to be "Doing the right thing", i'm feeling a lot better. My tires were made at the Jolliet plant in Quebec, and i read that tires made at that plant (and another in the US) will be recalled. __________________ 95EB 4.0 OHV V6 w/K&N FIPK;Westin Classic Brush Guard;Sony Xplode MDXC6500;Soundstream 500s;2 Kicker Comps 10";Kicker 435ix w/JBL stockers;Monroe Reflex;Michelin Cross Terrain SUV;Dynomax Super Turbo 2.25" custom cat-back; Warrior 353s;Yakima 6 ski rack. "Some things are better left unsaid.."

05-24-2001, 07:44 PM	#11
guggy Wannabe Elite Explorer TORONTO, ONTARIO 1998 LIMITED 4X4 SOHC Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 91 Vehicle Specs	PLR BEAR Does this mean that on;y certain winderness at's are being recalled not all ?? How can i find out which plant made my tires ?? Does anyone know ? Thanks __________________ 1998 LIMITED SOHC 4X4 K&N DROP IN , REFLEX SHOCKS BFG ALL TERRAIN T/A KO 31X10.50X15 , 3.55 GEARING NGK G POWER PLUGS

05-24-2001, 08:22 PM	#12
PLRBEAR Wannabe Elite Explorer Calgary,AB,Canada 95 EB 4x4 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 383 Vehicle Specs	No Guggy. All Wilderness ATs, regardless of size, are being recalled. As long as your tires say Wilderness AT, and it's a Ford vehicle then you'll get new tires from Ford. __________________ 95EB 4.0 OHV V6 w/K&N FIPK;Westin Classic Brush Guard;Sony Xplode MDXC6500;Soundstream 500s;2 Kicker Comps 10";Kicker 435ix w/JBL stockers;Monroe Reflex;Michelin Cross Terrain SUV;Dynomax Super Turbo 2.25" custom cat-back; Warrior 353s;Yakima 6 ski rack. "Some things are better left unsaid.."

05-24-2001, 09:24 PM	#13
guggy Wannabe Elite Explorer TORONTO, ONTARIO 1998 LIMITED 4X4 SOHC Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 91 Vehicle Specs	Thanks PLR BEAR Do i have to get my tires from Ford or can i just buy them at a local tire store and submit my bill ? Thanks again __________________ 1998 LIMITED SOHC 4X4 K&N DROP IN , REFLEX SHOCKS BFG ALL TERRAIN T/A KO 31X10.50X15 , 3.55 GEARING NGK G POWER PLUGS

05-25-2001, 03:51 AM	#14
PLRBEAR Wannabe Elite Explorer Calgary,AB,Canada 95 EB 4x4 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 383 Vehicle Specs	That's the part i don't get. US owners have a choice of purchasing their tires from an approved outside source. We don't. I got this information from Ford Canada and my dealer. Perhaps you should give Ford Canada and your dealer a buzz and see what you can dig out. __________________ 95EB 4.0 OHV V6 w/K&N FIPK;Westin Classic Brush Guard;Sony Xplode MDXC6500;Soundstream 500s;2 Kicker Comps 10";Kicker 435ix w/JBL stockers;Monroe Reflex;Michelin Cross Terrain SUV;Dynomax Super Turbo 2.25" custom cat-back; Warrior 353s;Yakima 6 ski rack. "Some things are better left unsaid.."

05-29-2001, 09:04 PM	#15
guggy Wannabe Elite Explorer TORONTO, ONTARIO 1998 LIMITED 4X4 SOHC Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 91 Vehicle Specs	PLR BEAR Great news !! I just found out than even us Canadians can buy our tires at a local tire shop and just bring the bill to FORD for a refund.. I was so happy to find this out a few days ago , sorry i had no time to reply !! Good luck ! __________________ 1998 LIMITED SOHC 4X4 K&N DROP IN , REFLEX SHOCKS BFG ALL TERRAIN T/A KO 31X10.50X15 , 3.55 GEARING NGK G POWER PLUGS

05-29-2001, 09:19 PM	#16
PLRBEAR Wannabe Elite Explorer Calgary,AB,Canada 95 EB 4x4 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 383 Vehicle Specs	Yes, i just saw that on the website a few days ago. Those with 15s get CDN$180/tire, while those with 16s & 17s get CDN$210/tire! GREAT DEAL IF YOU ASK ME! __________________ 95EB 4.0 OHV V6 w/K&N FIPK;Westin Classic Brush Guard;Sony Xplode MDXC6500;Soundstream 500s;2 Kicker Comps 10";Kicker 435ix w/JBL stockers;Monroe Reflex;Michelin Cross Terrain SUV;Dynomax Super Turbo 2.25" custom cat-back; Warrior 353s;Yakima 6 ski rack. "Some things are better left unsaid.."

05-29-2001, 10:06 PM	#17
IgotTwo Wannabe Elite Explorer Branchburg, N.J. 94 XLT - 97 XLT SOHC Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 1,022 Vehicle Specs	PLRBER, a little help on your comment "As long as your tires say Wilderness AT, and it's a Ford vehicle then you'll get new tires from Ford." Does this apply to Firestone tires that are not the orginal tires from Ford? Dumb me, I bought Firestone replacements 6 month before the recall. Who would have guessed. For what its worth: Yes, I had cracks around the tires on my 97 just below the tread -47K ?? miles .... looked just like the close ups on the news. Firestone dealer said it was not a problem. Right !!! What do I have a ticket on me that says "Ellis Island!" It was at recall time. I passed on the Firestones and opted for Michein replacements I didn't give it too much thought, but when I got my 97, those recalled Firestones always seemed to lose pressure. I remember thinking: I never had a set of tires that lost so much pressure. I was always looking for nails in the tires. Maybe it was some kind of clue? __________________ 97 XLT SOHC 94 XLT 4.0 "I used to be Snow White....but I drifted" - Mae West