FordExcursions.com Forums
Coach3rd !!
 |
|
• Chesapeake, VA, USA |
|
• Registered on 1/21/2003 |
|
• 43 posts |
• 1
|
|
 Posted:4/28/2003 09:08 |
|
|
What tire pressure is everyone using for their EX? I have a 2000 Limited 4X4 with Firestone Steeltex tires (stock). I used the recommended tire pressure that is in the door jamb. 45psi front and 55psi rear. I have a vibration that feels like it is coming from the rear. I suspect out of balance or need of rotation???  Any suggestions or comment appreciated.  COACH |
|
Scott Coats
 |
|
• Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA |
|
• Registered on 1/8/2003 |
|
• 84 posts |
• 1
|
|
|
Posted:4/28/2003 13:35 |
|
|
From my previous post regardig Firestone Tire Failures on the X...
QUOTE...
Regarding running the tires at max pressure and Ford's reasons for suggesting lower pressures:
First, the correct pressure for a tire at a given load is the pressue that results in even surface temperature across the width of the tire. Inflating the tires too high results in higher center temperatures and running them too low results in higher temp on the outside of the tire's foorprint. Higher temp equals faster wear. Thus, when the tire is running at it's correct, ideal inflation pressure for a given load, the wear is even.
Tire pressure is a function of the load you place on it. My Ex is a big boom box with little load, so I can run the tires at a lesser tire pressure than say, someone who is towing or carting their band equipment around. Your tire pressure should be adjusted so that the tire temp is even across the footprint of the tire.
Most people don't have a pyrometer to accurately assess the temperature of their tire, but I do, and 50-55 PSI is where my tires show the most even temps and where I get the best tread wear.
Second, [the] tire pressue that the OEM recommends are based on AVERAGE use for that vehicle, not your actual circumstances. The door pillar (or manual) shows the suggested starting point, not what you may need to get the best wear from your tires. It depends on road surface, load, and tire.
The pressure listed on the tire is a MAX inflation safe pressure at the given load rating and not necessarily what is best for your particular vehicle and driving habits.
Ford was accused during the Firestone debacle of inflating the Explorer tires at a lower pressure to improve the ride of the Explorer. This was never an issue with the Excursion (although the principal is the same). Lower pressure equals a "squishier" ride, making the Explorer ride more like a car and less like a truck--perfect for the non-truck experienced soccer moms that the Explorer was marketed to. Lower pressures (i.e., more heat on the sidewall) are what result in tread separation and propensity for rollover due to sidewall flex (among MANY other factors such as center of gravity and "pre-loading" the suspension by steering one way, then abruptly next, road surface, tire condition).
Rollover is caused by many factors, but high inflation pressures is NOT one of them. Just the opposite--lower inflation pressures equal a less rigid sidewall and sidewall flex has a great deal to do with rollover propensity.
I just wanted to clarify those points so that others can inflate their tires to fit their particular situation.
Scott
END QUOTE
2001 PSD Excursion, 4" Lift, 315's on 17" Weld Evo Velocity-8 chrome wheels, 315-75-17 BFG AT/KO's, SS Westin Tube Steps, 2200 watt sound system, full pillar gauges, AFE Air Raid, DiabloSport Revolution experimental custom EEC chip (120HP) tune, 4" exhaust, clear turn/head lamps, safety brake light, oversize wipers, 2003 SuperDuty turn signal/heated power towing mirrors, billet grill, limo tint, ProComp steering stabilizer and shocks, the list goes on... |
|
Coach3rd !!
|
|
• Chesapeake, VA, USA |
|
• Registered on 1/21/2003 |
|
• 43 posts |
• 1
|
|
|
Posted:4/29/2003 13:37 |
|
|
 WOW Great response!! Thanks for the info. I do not tow anything but I do travel a lot on the weekends for baseball. Carry a lot gear and such. Thanks, Coach |
|
ROBERTH
 |
|
• Raleigh, NC, USA |
|
• Registered on 3/23/2003 |
|
• 62 posts |
|
|
|
|
Posted:5/1/2003 16:12 |
|
|
Currently have the Steeltex on my new Excursion and can't wait to get rid of 'em! However, they haven't shown any problems as of yet with only 17K on them. I found something very interesting though....
I am running the recommended pressure 45 front and 55 rear. However, when I towed one weekend and had a heavy load in the back of the X, I decided to put 65 in the rear tires. All went well and ride was fine.
After the trip, I started to notice the X was riding very rough and the bumps in the road were talking to me! Darn, the OEM shocks really do go bad quickly? Nope, figure out that I forgot to reduce the pressure. Took the rear's back down to 55, and it rides great again! |
|
|
|
