[Budsky]

Went to put my spare on as part of my tire rotation.
I have the DRW so all 7 tires/wheels are the same.

Was shocked to see NO balance weights on the spare- maybe it was the rare perfect tire and rim- so I put it on.

Went for a drive and steering wheel vibration.

Pulled it back off and took it to a tire place-
yep needed weights, not in balance.

Either Ford is really pinching pennies or their QC guy was asleep when that one was accepted.

Might want to check to avoid a bad surprise

 

[orton]

Thanks for the post.

I rotate all 5 tires and currently have the spare on the right rear for last 3000 miles. Have not noticed any vibration. Did check to see if there are weights. None. Will have it balanced.

 

[Budsky]

Unbelievable they don't balance a full size spare included with the vehicle- mine took 1.75 oz to balance.
Test drove it again after balancing- all smooth.

 

[Budsky]

Scroll forward 2 years- found the spare on my new 2018 not balanced either!

 

[86scotty]

That's crazy. Why would they do that?

 

[Eiko]

Thanks for bringing this back up. Another thing to do.

That's crazy. Why would they do that?

Rhetorical question, I assume.

 

[Budsky]

Probably saved a dollar...

I would think the extra cost of keeping track of both types of tires and ensuring they go in the proper place would cost more than just balancing all of them.
Then include the cost of customer complaints when the unbalanced one is used.

 

[ranxerox]

it could be worse, they could have given you a donut tire!

 

[Budsky]

I think you missed the point...