2001 F350, 153K, 7.3L.
Recently been feeling a slight vibration in the front end/steering. Increases with speed. Doesn't "wiggle" steering wheel, more like a vibrator is connected to it. Early sign of bearings?
Last summer put new rotors/pads on.

 

Have you checked the wheel balance aliment

 

No . . . I don't know what that is. I know what a wheel balance is. And a wheel alignment.
Also, I have not hit any severe pot holes or curbs or anything. I'll find out & check that.

 

Feel all around the front tires for unusual wear. Also check to see if you may have thrown a wheel weight.

 

Look closely for tire wear in the front, particularly heel-toe - it looks like saw tooth.

 

Is there a speed at which there is no vibration?

Drive-line-induced vibrations (u-joints, center carrier bearing, etc.) typically show up around 35-40 mph and go away after about 70 mph. They also typically only vibrate when under load, so if you get off the throttle on a level or down hill run and the vibration suddenly goes away, and then comes back as soon as you hit the throttle again, it is most likely drive-line related.

 

No missing weights or unusual wear.

 

F250 . . . it does seem to start around 40 and on to 50mph. Haven't had it on the freeway yet to go faster. However, I had the U-joints replaced in June of 2001 by a pro. Will check carrier bearing AND SUCH. Thanks.
Also noticed the vibration would subside when brakes were applied(?)!

 

How do you test the carrier bearing?

 

Like a toilet handle. If it jiggles about easily, it's bad. If it wants to stay put, at least the support is good (not likely cause of vibration).

Lift the nose and shake the snot out of the wheels. Please be safe about it. Wiggle is bad.

 

Allright . . . no play in u-joints, carrier bearing, and no drive shaft weights are gone . . . but a front tire was about 16 pounds lower than the others.

 

I will get that fixed, then rotate those fronts to the back, and see if the problem still occurs.

 

There it is. You're riding on the edge of your tires, and the tread pattern is causing the vibration.

 

Finally posting the results: rear u-joint!