Front End Rattle/Vibration...

[berry1234]

Anyone else feel a harsh vibration/rattle in the steering wheel/column at times going over a approach, or small bump or lane reflector in the road? It only happens at lower speeds but for a second it's like the whole steering assembly to the steering wheel is reverberating or vibrating. I looked underneath and couldn't see anything obvious. 2008 4x2.

[bob0312]

It just started a few days ago. It is only occasional, but seems to be getting more frequent. It has only happened when brakes are applied and vehicle is almost to a complete stop. The "check brake system" message came on once for a while but never returned. I will be taking it apart tomorrow to check brake pads etc. I'll post the results.

[berry1234]

Originally Posted by bob0312

It just started a few days ago. It is only occasional, but seems to be getting more frequent. It has only happened when brakes are applied and vehicle is almost to a complete stop. The "check brake system" message came on once for a while but never returned. I will be taking it apart tomorrow to check brake pads etc. I'll post the results.

Ok, thanks. I can't recall if the brakes are applied with this is happening. Almost feels like the steering assembly is becoming unbolted from the frame.

[bob0312]

Well, I took everything apart and inspected everything. Everything is tight as it should be and the disks, calipers and pads look good. Here's what I found in the repair manual.

Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brakes lightly applied. (creeping). Acceptable condition - caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.

So I guess I'll wait and see what happens.

[berry1234]

Originally Posted by bob0312

Well, I took everything apart and inspected everything. Everything is tight as it should be and the disks, calipers and pads look good. Here's what I found in the repair manual.

Groaning noise - occurs at low speeds with brakes lightly applied. (creeping). Acceptable condition - caused by humidity and low brake pad temperature.

So I guess I'll wait and see what happens.

Yeah, it's not groaning. This is a serious steering line vibration/shudder when the front end is jouseled by a speed bump, approach, lane marker etc.

[fast_st]

Not sure if its apples but here's what I had, hit a bump and there was a rattle in the floor, not light but quite firm, like twanging a ruler on a desk. Felt like it was right under your feet

Turned out to be sway bar end links gone bad. Give it a soft rap up and down on each end with a rubber hammer.

Else check your tie rod ends, they give a little rattle then fall out, unlock the steering wheel and see if there is any up/down play in the rod end, any play and the rod end is toast. Can also do the lift wheel and try to move the tire left/right, you might feel it give just a bit.

Truck was an 02 F250 4x4

[berry1234]

Originally Posted by fast_st

Not sure if its apples but here's what I had, hit a bump and there was a rattle in the floor, not light but quite firm, like twanging a ruler on a desk. Felt like it was right under your feet

Turned out to be sway bar end links gone bad. Give it a soft rap up and down on each end with a rubber hammer.

Else check your tie rod ends, they give a little rattle then fall out, unlock the steering wheel and see if there is any up/down play in the rod end, any play and the rod end is toast. Can also do the lift wheel and try to move the tire left/right, you might feel it give just a bit.

Truck was an 02 F250 4x4

That is similar to the feel I get. Like a tapering off vibration/guitar sting pluck.

Do I need to have the front end jacked for these tests? Thanks.

[fast_st]

Originally Posted by berry1234

That is similar to the feel I get. Like a tapering off vibration/guitar sting pluck.

Do I need to have the front end jacked for these tests? Thanks.

Not for checking the sway bar, but its helpful for the tie rod end check.

Look at the upper and lower sway bar end link mounts, mine was showing rust on the upper drivers side, that's the part that dissolved.


Took me a year to find mine, only by accident, hit the sway bar while changing the trans cooler lines.

[berry1234]

Originally Posted by fast_st

Not for checking the sway bar, but its helpful for the tie rod end check.

Look at the upper and lower sway bar end link mounts, mine was showing rust on the upper drivers side, that's the part that dissolved.


Took me a year to find mine, only by accident, hit the sway bar while changing the trans cooler lines.

Sorry for being a newb. When I hit the sway bar am I looking for the vibration I feel while driving, or any movement?

[fast_st]

Oh, when I hit the sway bar, it did that rattling noise like it does when I hit a hole or bump,

[fast_st]

Now my 99 F350 is starting to develop the same noise. Top drivers side sway bar end link shows rust streaming down the link, likely the top joint is failing.

[fast_st]

Originally Posted by berry1234

Sorry for being a newb. When I hit the sway bar am I looking for the vibration I feel while driving, or any movement?

What did you find out? any updates?

[berry1234]

Had our company mechanic look at the front end. Couldn't find anything. Said the ball joints were good, sway bushings ok. It seems to be happening between the steering box and steering wheel if that makes since. Like the column shaft and dash oscillate.