When i'm goin down the interstate my steering wheel shake's like a big dog. i don't know what it is it's when i'm goin 60 or faster.

 

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.

 

no it's a 4x2

 

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.

 

U know i think it's my ball joints i'm gonna have those replaced. is it hard to do yourself?

 

I've never done it, I bet if you do a search in the suspension forum someone has explained the job.

 

It is preeety easy if you have autozone in your area. Just get a free loaner ball joint toll from Autozone. It takes 4 to 5 hours, make sure you do your aligment after. Good luck.

Later,

 

ok that's cool, if all else fails my dad can do it. thanks for the help

 

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

 

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.