high speed shimmy
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high speed shimmy
I have recently purchased a used 1998 F-150 ext cab XLT with 87,000 miles. A few weeks after purchasing I noticed a significant vibration at speeds over 55mph, and just had a mechanic look at it. He said that one rear tire needed 9lbs of weights to balance and when he test drove it afterwards noticed no lessening of the vibration. He seems to think that a new rear tire is needed, but not sure if that'll stop the vibration. The tires are virtually new with tons of tread left. They are however, BF Goodrich radials, which the mechanic said are notorious for tire seperation.
What're the chances the vibration is due to the tire and not something else?
What could be an alternate reason for the high speed shimmy?
Thanks for your help.
Mike
What're the chances the vibration is due to the tire and not something else?
What could be an alternate reason for the high speed shimmy?
Thanks for your help.
Mike
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: South Dakota
Originally Posted by mike1998
I have recently purchased a used 1998 F-150 ext cab XLT with 87,000 miles. A few weeks after purchasing I noticed a significant vibration at speeds over 55mph, and just had a mechanic look at it. He said that one rear tire needed 9lbs of weights to balance and when he test drove it afterwards noticed no lessening of the vibration. He seems to think that a new rear tire is needed, but not sure if that'll stop the vibration. The tires are virtually new with tons of tread left. They are however, BF Goodrich radials, which the mechanic said are notorious for tire seperation.
What're the chances the vibration is due to the tire and not something else?
What could be an alternate reason for the high speed shimmy?
Thanks for your help.
Mike
What're the chances the vibration is due to the tire and not something else?
What could be an alternate reason for the high speed shimmy?
Thanks for your help.
Mike
9 lbs !!
9 oz is possible, but I highly doubt this guy even knew how to put a tire on a balancer properly, but that's just my opinion, judging by his comments. If he put 9 oz, it is likely that he made the problem worse.
If he knew jack about tires, he should have pulled the tire in question off the rim, and checked the inside of the tire for separation and any other abnormalities, and should have put the empty rim (pulling all weights) on the balancer to check that the rim is not bent, and balanced.
Personally I would take your truck to a reputable tire shop for a R+B....and ask them to check for any thing out of the ordinary, bent rim, excessive weights, broken belts, etc.
If that comes up negative, then I would look towards a bad u-joint on the drive axel.
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From: Orange Park, FL
if the mech that you took your truck too said it could be the tire just rotate that one off the back with one from the front if the shimmy move you've got a 50/50 chance on it being the tire or the rim if the shimmy doesnt move check your axles
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BFG's are not known for belt separation. They are a very good tire. Big O on the otherhand does break belts alot.
Usually, if a tire takes that much weight to balance, you can rotate the tire on the rim 180 degrees and it will usually get it much closer.
Usually, if a tire takes that much weight to balance, you can rotate the tire on the rim 180 degrees and it will usually get it much closer.
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From: South Dakota
Originally Posted by LxMan1
BFG's are not known for belt separation. They are a very good tire. Big O on the otherhand does break belts alot.
Usually, if a tire takes that much weight to balance, you can rotate the tire on the rim 180 degrees and it will usually get it much closer.
Usually, if a tire takes that much weight to balance, you can rotate the tire on the rim 180 degrees and it will usually get it much closer.
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I appreciate the comments and advice.
Here's the sad update. I brought the truck to a tire shop first thing today and sure enough was told the tire was bad. They didn't carry a matching BFG tire so I went and purchased 2 rears of a different make, but the same size and with the same rating. Problem now is twofold. First, the shimmy/vibration did not go away. Second, the front end seems to be handling differently, like a possible understear. Unnoticable on straightaways, but unnerving on corners. I just put close to $300 in and nothing has changed for the better.
What do you recommend for the next logical step?
Thanks for your help.
Mike
Here's the sad update. I brought the truck to a tire shop first thing today and sure enough was told the tire was bad. They didn't carry a matching BFG tire so I went and purchased 2 rears of a different make, but the same size and with the same rating. Problem now is twofold. First, the shimmy/vibration did not go away. Second, the front end seems to be handling differently, like a possible understear. Unnoticable on straightaways, but unnerving on corners. I just put close to $300 in and nothing has changed for the better.
What do you recommend for the next logical step?
Thanks for your help.
Mike
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No. 2 wheel drive.
It's frustrating because I have this sinking feeling that I just bought someone else's problem. It's cost me 3 bills to be at the same place I was when I started.
As my "warranty" has expired, my dealer has absolved themselves of all responsiblilities.
Thanks for your reply.
Mike
It's frustrating because I have this sinking feeling that I just bought someone else's problem. It's cost me 3 bills to be at the same place I was when I started.
As my "warranty" has expired, my dealer has absolved themselves of all responsiblilities.
Thanks for your reply.
Mike
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: BC, Canada
A tire problem will usually cause a slower shimmy type of vibration.
A driveline problem cause a higher frequency type of vibration.
I would try swapping the tires front to back and see if the feeling changes.
Check the air pressure in the tires to make sure they put the right amount in.
A driveline problem cause a higher frequency type of vibration.
I would try swapping the tires front to back and see if the feeling changes.
Check the air pressure in the tires to make sure they put the right amount in.
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Not sure about the f150s (because I just got a new and haven't climbed under it yet). But my Ranger was acting a bit wierd steering wise and when I jacked her up I could shake the wheel up and down because the ball joints were so bad. I also found a steering tie rod that was shot (which was the cause of the steering play I had).
I would check the ball joints and steering linkage and even the suspension bushings. Maybe even the alignment
I would check the ball joints and steering linkage and even the suspension bushings. Maybe even the alignment