Wheel bearing or something else?

[PaulR]

I am going to say that I am not mechanically inclined so I may be way off the mark here and may have trouble describing things properly.

I just bought a 4wd 2005 Explorer XLS with 86k. On the drive home from the dealer I noticed that the steering wheel was shaking, but when I took my hands off the wheel the truck goes in a straight line.

At around 50-55 mph I can take my foot off the gas and feel something catch and slightly jerk the car to the left on the drivers side front wheel. If I hit the brakes at that speed it does the same thing, but it feels more like the wheel is slipping on something.

I have tried turning off the traction control just to see if that might be causing it and it didn't help.

The rear bearings were both replaced and there are new brakes all around.

I do have the 30 day warranty, but I just want an idea of what is most likely the source of the problem.

 

[PaulR]

A new set of tires to go along with the new ones on the rear fixed this problem.

 

[2002GreyHD150]

hopefully the "dealer" coughed up the $$ for the "set" (I think you meant pair) of tires....

I have never, nor will I ever understand, agree, condone, or fathom the concept of replacing tires 1 at a timeor even Pairs at a time....

If its TIME its TIME... replace the set... all 4.. match them up... ABS, traction control are the modern arguements... Old school was... just bite the bullet.

Why do so many maintain or purchase cars maintained by people with their Ostrich head in the sand? "Oh the rears aren't THAT worn".... the "Fronts have plenty of life left"....

whatever... all 4 are touching the ground... YES? enough said...

The NTDA (National Tire Dealers Association) reports yearly that over 85% of the public does NOT rotate properly or nearly as often as prescibed by the tire manufacturers. Enough said.

Replacing in anything other than sets if FOUR is stupid, unless the owner has hard, PRINTED documents showing abnormal wear for the (2) to be replaced... AND THEN its STILL stupid until the problem is found for 2 of 4 to wear irractically.

sorry all.. sore spot for me.. all tires hit the pavement.. diligence = max investment..

Rob

 

[PaulR]

The tires on the rear were replaced to fix a noise in the back.

The guy is one of the small dealers that just does used cars and he has taken care of me so far including eating the cost for replacement tires.

I knew that if tires were needed they are best put on the rear, but now it will be four at a time.