Strange Tire Wobble
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New User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Strange Tire Wobble
I tried searching the forums for a similar problem and didn't see anything so here it is:
I have a 96 Ranger with 136k miles. I have a problem with my truck, which at first I just thought was warpped brade cylinders but now I am pretty sure its something with the tires or wheel bearings but I have no clue how to test.
The problem is noticable more when I brake, I feel a vibration in the brake pedal (and the whole truck), not a big vibration, but noticable. I finally realized its not a brake issue because after letting off of the brake, I start rolling...and as I start rolling I notice a slight wobble every rotation of the tires. Im not sure which tire. But I am not sure where to look. And after I hit about 55-75 mph the vibration becomes pretty noticable, and after 80 mph the vibration smoothes out.
Ang suggestions of where to start looking? how would I test to see if its a bearing issue?
I have a 96 Ranger with 136k miles. I have a problem with my truck, which at first I just thought was warpped brade cylinders but now I am pretty sure its something with the tires or wheel bearings but I have no clue how to test.
The problem is noticable more when I brake, I feel a vibration in the brake pedal (and the whole truck), not a big vibration, but noticable. I finally realized its not a brake issue because after letting off of the brake, I start rolling...and as I start rolling I notice a slight wobble every rotation of the tires. Im not sure which tire. But I am not sure where to look. And after I hit about 55-75 mph the vibration becomes pretty noticable, and after 80 mph the vibration smoothes out.
Ang suggestions of where to start looking? how would I test to see if its a bearing issue?
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 3
From: Belleville, Ontario
How about a bent rim? Have a friend watch as you roll along at idle.
To quick check the bearings, grab on to the top of the tire and push & pull sideways on it (like "scrap the Caddy Clyde"). You can actually feel the thumping of the bearing slack. The bigger the thump, the more slack there is.
AL.
To quick check the bearings, grab on to the top of the tire and push & pull sideways on it (like "scrap the Caddy Clyde"). You can actually feel the thumping of the bearing slack. The bigger the thump, the more slack there is.
AL.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 1
From: Shreveport, La.
Go to any place that mounts/balances tires, explain the problem and ASK if they would put vehicle in air first. You'll probably have to pay something for this.
Then walk around and hand spin each tire/wheel, stand directly behind/in front of tire, eyeball for any side to side movement. Check one side then the other of each tire/wheel.
If you're still not sure, (can't tell by eyeballing) find a straight edge you can hold in a fixed position while tire is rotating.
You can also have each tire put on balancing machine and do the same - eyeballing only- spins too fast to get hands/object near. But it may be more difficult to catch bad rim this way, may just look like tire problem.
Then walk around and hand spin each tire/wheel, stand directly behind/in front of tire, eyeball for any side to side movement. Check one side then the other of each tire/wheel.
If you're still not sure, (can't tell by eyeballing) find a straight edge you can hold in a fixed position while tire is rotating.
You can also have each tire put on balancing machine and do the same - eyeballing only- spins too fast to get hands/object near. But it may be more difficult to catch bad rim this way, may just look like tire problem.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,873
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From: St. Peter
have you looked at the brake rotors? you should take off the tire and check them out. the pads still touch the rotors even when your not touching the brakes. Otherwise check the wheel bearings by jacking up the tires one by one, and and wiggleing the tires as described in some of the above posts. If theres alot of play, then its the wheel bearings. Hows your alignment? have you hit any big pot holes lately? Also, how old are your tires. My old general grabber a/ts would vibrate at 55, then smooth out at 65 or 70. Got new bf goodrich's and everthings nice and smooth.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 1
From: Perry,Ga.
Heres a old truckers tip.To check if you have bent/lose rim or lose wheel bearings.Jack up 1 wheel at a time just get it off the ground{DO NOT PUT HANDS OR FEET UNDER TIRE!!!!} and put a drink bottol about a 1/4 of an inch from the bottom of the tire and spin the tire ,if you have problem with that wheel{any of the above}your tire will hit the bottol{move it or knok if over}JUST REMBER SAFTY FIRST!!!!
