Wee Jock

Just picked up a F150. First ford in my life. Problem is the front tires are 265-70-R17 and rears are 265-65-R17. Not mechanically smart and wondered what problems I could be having with these tires being different sizes. I am experiencing quite a bit of play and wander in the steering and guessing the tires might have something to do with it, but what other issues would cause the wander. help with this would be appreciated. Oh it's a RWD not a 4x4.

supersnake04

sounds to me like the previous owner installed a poor mans leveling kit! Lol.

Wee Jock

Thanks , but the comical answer really doesn't address the problem. I'm looking for help not humor, but levity helps when frustration is high.

supersnake04

oh, well then. No, it shouldn't really hurt the truck as long as one size is on the front, and one size is on the back, unless it is a 4x4, in that case I would suggest you refrain from using it because the front and rear ratios are not going to be the same. Now, if one tire on one side was bigger than the one on the other side, that could cause steering problems, mess with the abs, tc, etc. In either case, I would encourage you to correct the problem as soon as possible. That better?

Edit: I see now it's a RWD

Wee Jock

Yup thanks, much better. So if it's not a tire size issue between front and rear, whats left? in addition the ABS & brake light are both on. am I looking at major work on front end, tie rods, ball joint, control arms? I'm familiar with the names but not mechanically inclined so don't know what to expect for costs. I know there are several avenues for repairs but I'd like to know whats most common with these lights on if possible.

supersnake04

since the truck is wandering I would assume the front end could be out of line, the steering has some play so I would assume it's got some slack from age, tie rods could be the culprit along withe some of the other things you suggested, as for the abs/brake light, the truck is probably noticing the difference in the front and back wheel speed and showing a wheel speed sensor fault or something like that,you could take it to a parts place like advance auto and have them run an diagnostic on the truck.

Wee Jock

So that takes me back to my original question of tire sizes between front and back. One guy I tried to get the truck into was way too busy and it's the long weekend, but his first comment was the tire sizes. He said that with the new certification rules in place that took effect July 1st 2016 it would fail just on that alone.

supersnake04

you talking about a mechanic? I meant a parts house, like a Napa, autozone, advance auto, o'reilly's, etc. most of them will do a free OBDll check on the truck with a little handheld computer. It will tell you what fault it's showing.

Wee Jock

Thanks I will try them and see what they say.

supersnake04

no problem. Here to help!