Brush Guard & Wheel Alignment

[Rhino]

Hello all. I have a question regarding a grille guards effect on alignment. I have a 2001 Explorer Sport (the Rhino) that I bought a few months ago and installed front and rear Manik guards on. I noticed a difference in the front end and how the truck was steering different, but didn't think much about it. Well now at about 7k miles it seems like the insides of my front tires are wearing unevenly. It's starting the "wump,wump,wump" noise when driving straight and worse when going around a bend. The outside of all 4 tires are fine, but the front insides are wearing thin on both tires (UGGH, Firestones). I was suprised to see that after about on 3k miles with the brush guard in there.

I have to go to the dealer for some other service and I'm afraid that they will blame whatever the problem is on the brush guard (no matter what the problem is) and try to not do any warranty work for the alignment. If the guard did cause the problem is it possible now that a wheel rotation and alignment might fix the problem or am I looking at much worse? Thanks in advance for the help, this is a great board with so many people full of knowledge!

I will post some pics of the truck soon. I'm CRAVING some snow so I can finally use the 4x4! We've had a (I guess anymore) typically mild winter here in Western Pa. and it sucks.

Thanks again, Greg.

[Edited by Rhino on 01-17-2001 at 07:20 PM]

 

[Brian1]

Welcome to the site! That is the first I have heard of a brush guard causing that. When you take it in, don't mention anything about the brush guard. It could be the weight of the brush guard that is causing the problem. I don't know for sure.