Shaky on interstate
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Manassas, Virginia
Did you hit any big holes lately? Sounds like symptoms of either a bent rim or losing a wheel balance weight. To check the rims you can jack up the front of the truck, look at the edge of the rim while you spin it. If you see a lot of uneven movement you need a new rim there.
If that's not it, I'd check the shocks. Bounce each corner of the truck up and down a few times, then see if each corner settles out quickly after you stop bouncing it. See if you hear any funny noises.
If those "free" tests don't identify the problem, spend $25 and get the front wheels balanced.
If it's still causing trouble, you probably have some other suspension part failing and probably need an expert eye.
By the way is it a 4x4? I guess a hub problem could result in some uneven drag that shakes the wheel at speed. You can check that while you are spinning the wheels looking at the rims.
If that's not it, I'd check the shocks. Bounce each corner of the truck up and down a few times, then see if each corner settles out quickly after you stop bouncing it. See if you hear any funny noises.
If those "free" tests don't identify the problem, spend $25 and get the front wheels balanced.
If it's still causing trouble, you probably have some other suspension part failing and probably need an expert eye.
By the way is it a 4x4? I guess a hub problem could result in some uneven drag that shakes the wheel at speed. You can check that while you are spinning the wheels looking at the rims.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Manassas, Virginia
Ok. How are the front tires? While you are spinning the wheels by hand and watching them, you can also look for flat spots or uneven wear that could cause a vibration at speed.
And of course, while you're down there you will want to look for anything obviously bent, loose or worn in the suspension.
Another easy thing to check would be ball joints. With the truck on the ground grab the top of each front tire and try to push it in and out. If the ball joints are good you should not be able to move it much.
And of course, while you're down there you will want to look for anything obviously bent, loose or worn in the suspension.
Another easy thing to check would be ball joints. With the truck on the ground grab the top of each front tire and try to push it in and out. If the ball joints are good you should not be able to move it much.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: DE
Originally posted by 351ballsofford
U know i think it's my ball joints i'm gonna have those replaced. is it hard to do yourself?
U know i think it's my ball joints i'm gonna have those replaced. is it hard to do yourself?
Later,
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Brett Foote
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 27
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From: Arizona
Before you tackle the balll joints, confirm that your U-joints on your driveshaft are good, tires are balanced and front-end alligned. All of these will contribute to the shimmy and shake.
I hope this helps.
-Richie
I hope this helps.
-Richie
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,959
Likes: 9
From: USA
To check for worn ball joints, lift the frontend of the truck, then grab the tire at the top and the bottom and see if you can rock it about the horizontal axis. Another sign of worn ball joints is increased negative camber (where the tires lean in at the top) and wearing the tires on the inside edge.