Hi all, after trying web searches for hours on "my ford escape fishtails on the highway" and many alternate forms, I came across this site hoping someone can offer some insight. I live in Michigan and as they rework the highways here they are putting in concrete that looks like it has been raked forward. Meaning there are lines in the concrete that are parallel with the direction you are travelling. As I take my brand spankin new 08 Escape over this new type of highway, the rear end proceeds to float and feel as if it is fishtailing. The manager at the service center where I bought it told me that it was because of the wheel base of the vehicle and that it is unfortunate but normal. I am wondering if anyone can speak to this, has experienced it, or even better knows what to do about it.
Thanks!
Blake

 

I have a 2002 Ranger Edge extended cab, it does the same on steel deck bridges. It is cause by the tire tracking with the groves. I would tire messing with the tire pressure. First make sure that all the tires are to Ford spec, IE the Ranger is 30 front 35 rear. If this does not work try using the tire manufacture spec, this may cause a harder ride however, and if they are touring tire like my 2006 Freestar, 44 psi is to rough without a load try 39 to 40 psi. If these do not succeed you can try 2 or 3 lbs of under inflation from spec. I would check the tire very regularly if you find that under inflation minizes the problem. If none of these work you may want to look at a different tread pattern, more of a street performance tire with larger patches and less cut and groove depth.