Squirrelly road handling in my Mountaineer

[John H.]

My 2000 Mountaineer at 35,000 miles has been somewhat tough to maintain in a straight line down the interstate. (Around town it's less noticeable.) Constant corrections are necessary. Recent work to correct this by the local dealer was to install new shocks in the rear (warranty, since they were leaking) and to re-align the front end. Also, the wheels were, recently, balanced. Tires are new Goodyear RT/S. The front shocks are a little weak and I plan to replace them shortly. Any other ideas as to what could be causing this? Dealer did say that the suspension parts "looked" O. K. Thanks for your input.

John H.
2000 Mountaineer

 

[Flounder]

This may be just my opinion but I ran Goodyear RT/S on my Explorer since it was new (I must have been skipped by the Firestone plague). On highways I would notice the same as well as a rough ride. I had four new Rancho RS5000s installed, had the front aligned, had the wheels balanced and rebalanced, and had the suspension inspected. Nothing could correct it. I recently went with Kelly Safari 30s and it seems both the rough ride and the pull is gone. I suspect that the Goodyears, although I tried to keep them aired and rotated correctly, developed odd wear patterns and never sat totally flat on the road surface, causing the pull and rough ride. However, as usual, I could be wrong.

 

[Bartman]

John,

I live just a few miles away in Erie. One question, are you going to Valley Ford in Longmont for service? I'm not too impressed with them (or John Elway Ford in Boulder). It is a bit further for you, but I like Sil Terhar Ford in Broomfield. Maybe a second opinion would help. But I agree with Adam too, it could be uneven tire wear. Maybe have a tire guy look at them (?). I haven't run Goodyears, so I have no experience with your tires.

John

 

[John H.]

Adam and John,
Thanks for your replies. Could very well be the Goodyears. I've got 600 miles on them so far and tracking and harshness of ride are issues.
John, I've been going to John Elway Ford in Boulder since they're only 6-7 miles from me . Valley Ford is about 12 miles. I've been very satisfied with Elway Ford and, to date, they've done good work. I've heard that Sil-Terhar Ford is good as you'd mentioned and may try them down the road.

John H.
2000 Mountaineer
35K