Balance all four tires on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD to eliminate vibrations and ensure even tire wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Clip-on or adhesive wheel weights × 1 — Use appropriate weight sizes as determined by balancer

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock the wheels that will remain on the ground
3. Verify tire pressure is at recommended specification (check door jamb sticker) before balancing
4. Loosen all wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on the ground
5. Locate proper jacking points on frame rails per owner's manual

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle using the hydraulic floor jack at the front frame jacking point. Once elevated, place jack stands under the frame rails behind the front wheels. Lower the jack slightly so the vehicle rests on the stands. Repeat for the rear, jacking at the rear differential or frame point and placing stands under the rear frame rails.
2. 2

   Remove all four wheels
   Remove the lug nuts completely from all four wheels and set them aside in a clean area. Remove each wheel and tire assembly from the vehicle. Mark each wheel with chalk indicating its position (LF, RF, LR, RR) for reference during reinstallation.
3. 3

   Inspect wheels and remove old weights
   Inspect each wheel for damage, cracks, or bends that could prevent proper balancing. Remove all existing wheel weights from both the inner and outer rim flanges. Use a wire brush to clean the weight mounting areas on the rim. Clean the rim surfaces with brake cleaner to ensure new weights adhere or clip properly.
4. 4

   Mount first tire on balancing machine
   Mount the first wheel and tire assembly onto the wheel balancing machine according to the machine manufacturer's instructions. Use the correct cone or adapter size for the F-150's wheel center bore. Enter wheel diameter (17", 18", or 20" depending on trim level) and width into the balancer. Secure the wheel with the balancer's clamp or wing nut.
5. 5

   Perform spin balance
   Lower the balancer hood or guard and initiate the spin cycle. Wait for the machine to complete its measurement and display the amount and location of weight needed for both the inner and outer rim planes. Note the weight amounts and clock positions indicated by the machine.
6. 6

   Apply wheel weights
   Rotate the wheel to the first position indicated by the balancer. Apply the specified clip-on or adhesive weight at the exact location shown. Repeat for the second weight position if required. For clip-on weights, ensure they are firmly seated on the rim flange. For adhesive weights, clean the surface again and press firmly for 5-10 seconds.
7. 7

   Verify balance
   Spin the wheel again on the balancer to verify the balance is now within acceptable limits (typically 0.25 oz or less). If still out of balance, adjust weight positions or add/remove weight as needed. Repeat verification spin until balanced.
8. 8

   Balance remaining three wheels
   Remove the balanced wheel from the machine and repeat steps 4 through 7 for each of the remaining three wheel and tire assemblies. Ensure each wheel is balanced to specification before proceeding to reinstallation.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Reinstall each wheel onto its original position on the vehicle (or rotate as desired). Thread on all lug nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Use a hand tool to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern, but do not fully tighten yet.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to unload the jack stands. Remove all four jack stands. Carefully lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
11. 11

    Torque lug nuts to specification
    Using a torque wrench, tighten all wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Start at one lug nut, then move to the opposite side, continuing in a star pattern until all nuts are torqued. Make a second pass in the same pattern to verify proper torque on all lug nuts.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all lug nuts on all four wheels have been torqued to specification in a star pattern
2. Verify tire pressures are set to door jamb specifications (typically 35 psi front and rear for F-150)

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at various speeds up to highway speed to confirm vibrations have been eliminated
• Listen for any unusual noises that might indicate loose lug nuts or improper installation
• After 50-100 miles of driving, recheck lug nut torque to ensure they have not loosened
• Verify that steering wheel does not vibrate at highway speeds (55-70 mph)

More procedures for this vehicle