How to check if suspension/transit blocks were removed prior to delivery?

[jastevenson]

Just got a brand new Expedition. It was ordered from the factory, and I have been very disappointed with the middle row ride quality. Someone suggested that this can occur if the dealership forgets to take out the suspension blocks (transit blocks/spacers) during the pre delivery inspection.

Any way to check this without going to the dealer? I looked in the rear wheel well and I just see a black shroud. The suspension parts are not visible.

Thanks!

 

[Calidad]

I would guess they are blocks of plastic wedged in the springs. Tho I’ve never heard of this before with any car company.

 

[Soliyou]

Check your tire pressure. Mine was at 39 psi when delivered. Lowered it to 32 and ride is much better, not as jittery.

 

[Calidad]

Check your tire pressure. Mine was at 39 psi when delivered. Lowered it to 32 and ride is much better, not as jittery.

Depends on tire size
22’s are 39psi 20’s are slightly lower 18’s are lower.

 

[armoredsaint]

That happened with my Audi TT, it took me a week to discover it, I thought it was just the really low profile tires that had such a harsh ride.

 

[MommaTried]

Expeditions with 20 and 22" wheels call for 39 psi. 18's call for 35 psi. Hope this helps.

The low ride quality is interesting. Every newer Expedition I've ridden in has rode pretty well.

 

[jastevenson]

That happened with my Audi TT, it took me a week to discover it, I thought it was just the really low profile tires that had such a harsh ride.

Yup, it's really quite common, based on what I've read, and my dealership is pretty terrible (they left various pieces of wrapping tape on my vehicle, for example, which were supposed to be removed during the PDI process).

They also have 1 star on Yelp (based on hundreds of bad reviews), so I don't really trust them, which is why I'd like to look myself!

 

[B-McD]

When I bought my S7 I was actually there when they did the PDI. I was puzzled why they put it on the lift and they said they had to remove the spring blocks. Mechanic said it is so the cars move around less on the truck and train, which makes sense if you figure they strap them down. Less tugging on the chains/straps I guess. Depending on the sophistication of the suspension, there can also be a setting in the menus to set it for shipping. Learn something new every day, right? Good luck figuring yours out!

 

[duneslider]

Just got a brand new Expedition. It was ordered from the factory, and I have been very disappointed with the middle row ride quality. Someone suggested that this can occur if the dealership forgets to take out the suspension blocks (transit blocks/spacers) during the pre delivery inspection.

Any way to check this without going to the dealer? I looked in the rear wheel well and I just see a black shroud. The suspension parts are not visible.

Thanks!

You would have to crawl under and look at the springs...nothing to see looking in the wheel well.

 

[Molaf]

Anyone have a pic of said blocks look like when installed over the springs?

 

[Flexpedition]

Many moons ago I worked part-time PDI at a big volume Ford/Linc/Merc dealership.

At that time the blocks you speak of were very bright, like neon green, safety yellow, florescent orange. Putting the vehicle up on a lift was part of every PDI, and about 25% of the time a block or two would fall out as soon as the tires left the ground & suspension load was removed. Driving with the blocks in-place was obvious from any seat. I might have missed something here or there, like presetting some FM stations or checking spare tire PSI, but never a block, even as a dumb 20 year old with my mind elsewhere.

Google images came up with these Volkswagon / Audi blocks. Fords were nearly the same:

 

[rjdelp7]

Vehicles are secured on train cars, with tire wrap, hold down straps. Its a quick sling, that's it. The suspension is not compressed. I don't know about car carrier trucks. I would bet the autos being transported, have a similar set up. Did you 'test drive' this model, before buying it? 22" wheels look pretty, but ride on the rough side.