Four problems related to tire bead have been reported for the 1997 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
- while driving the tire started wobbling. The weather conditions at the time of the failure was clear and sunny. The tire disengaged, and the contact came to a stop. The tire was new, and only been driven 15 miles. The tire always tears between the bead and sidewall. Updated 04/05/07.
Bead separated at juncture where tire joins sidewall-3/5 around tire-losing air-steel belts exposed. Drove to TN. Twice in June with tire. Found problem at rotation of tires. Still plenty of tread on tire/( dot number: vn08ipu386 tire size: p235/70r16 ).
Aluminum tires cracked at the bead, causing a slow leak. Manufacturer has stopped using aluminum and is now using steel.
The raised white lettering on the sides of all 4 tires have splits in them and the cords are showing( dot number: vn 08 tire size: 23570r 16 ).