Flat Spot Tire FEELING

[MidnightStars]

When creeping forward, up to maybe 5 mph, and when braking and reaching less than 10 mph, the car feels like it has a flat spotted tire.
This has been present even before I changed out my tires + wheels, and confirmed that my new sets were in FLAWLESS condition. Feeling remained the same. Does anyone have any idea what it is?

At this point in time, I know my lower control arms are worn out & need to be replaced (59,000 miles). However, when at Ford during my oil change, I had them look into the issue, and they couldn't find any problems that could cause that "flat spot" feeling. As of now, the car's wheels and tires are still perfectly round. I haven't quite heard of worn control arms creating a feeling like this though, so I'm doubting it's just that.

Thanks!

Sponsored

 

[compprep]

Brake rotors warped? Or a spot on rotor that pads catch differently vs rest of rotor?

 

[MidnightStars]

Brake rotors warped? Or a spot on rotor that pads catch differently vs rest of rotor?

Had that thought at first, but it occurs when starting from a stop--foot off the brake, no gas. Wish I could record it, but it's visually undetectable within the car.

 

[IPOGT]

How do the wheel bearings look? At 59k I’d be looking at that.

 

[MidnightStars]

How do the wheel bearings look? At 59k I’d be looking at that.

Hehe, how do I check it? Lift the car up and feel for inconsistent resistance within itself, plus on the opposite side, by rotating the wheel?

 

[IPOGT]

I’d go to a tech you trust, but highly suspect at 59K. But if you spin it in the air it should tell you something, but I’ve seen them seem good until weight is on them…all scored up.

 

[MidnightStars]

I’d go to a tech you trust, but highly suspect at 59K.

Sadly haven't found anyone yet--moved in the past year, and not quite sure who to look into yet. Probably will hit Ford first, but I bet I will be hit with crazy labor charges or long waits

 

[compprep]

Sadly haven't found anyone yet--moved in the past year, and not quite sure who to look into yet.

Make a new thread asking if anyone here has a suggested shop near you. Note: state where you live and how far willing to travel.

 

[IPOGT]

Sadly haven't found anyone yet--moved in the past year, and not quite sure who to look into yet. Probably will hit Ford first, but I bet I will be hit with crazy labor charges or long waits

Probably not for that. It’s routine stuff they should have enough techs for that. Not trans work. At least it’ll be fixed correctly. Maybe checkout Discount Tire they’re a sponsor and maybe they do front end work.

 

[cerbomark]

In my experience I ve never felt flat spots at that low of speed. don t think that s it , you d feel it up at higher speeds even more IMO.

 

[MidnightStars]

Make a new thread asking if anyone here has a suggested shop near you. Note: state where you live and how far willing to travel.

Good idea--I should have thought of that

Probably not for that. It’s routine stuff they should have enough techs for that. Not trans work. At least it’ll be fixed correctly. Maybe checkout Discount Tire they’re a sponsor and maybe they do front end work.

Gotcha! And really? I thought Discount Tire only handles... well, tires!

In my experience I ve never felt flat spots at that low of speed. don t think that s it , you d feel it up at higher speeds even more IMO.

Yup, the other reasoning I knew it couldn't be that. But it's the closest thing I could think of that gives the feeling.

 

[JustSomeGuy]

Probably not for that. It’s routine stuff they should have enough techs for that. Not trans work. At least it’ll be fixed correctly. Maybe checkout Discount Tire they’re a sponsor and maybe they do front end work.

Fixed correctly? At a Ford dealership?
The only thing I’ve ever brought my car to a dealership for was a rear wheel only alignment and all I got was my front wheels OUT of alignment. Dealerships are horrible.

 

[MidnightStars]

Fixed correctly? At a Ford dealership?
The only thing I’ve ever brought my car to a dealership for was a rear wheel only alignment and all I got was my front wheels OUT of alignment. Dealerships are horrible.

Russell & Smith in Houston were great to me. But I have a feeling that the Roger's Ford here is going to be a little sus.

 

[IPOGT]

Lucky here. My main servicing dealer is generally very good.. Could even be a warped rotor.

 

[Discount Tire]

Good idea--I should have thought of that

Gotcha! And really? I thought Discount Tire only handles... well, tires!


Yup, the other reasoning I knew it couldn't be that. But it's the closest thing I could think of that gives the feeling.

@MidnightStars While your local Discount Tire store does not do mechanical work, they may be able to help with a diagnosis. A thorough road test might be able to determine where to focus your search for answers.

The first thing I am going to look for is drive train or tire/wheel assembly issues. Eliminating one of the two will put you on the right path to a solution.

Your local Discount Tire store will do that diagnosis at no charge. Feel free to stop by. No appointment is necessary.

Sponsored