Need your input!My 2004 F150 4X4's steering wheel is vibrating side to side.I still have the stock General tires on with 48,000 miles on them.The truck steers straight when I let go the wheel but the back n forth is noticeable.When I hold the wheel you can't notice the vibration only when I let go.Could it be the tires,suspension,alingment,etc.
Thanks in advance.

 

Alignment would mean wondering. For some reason your wheel is osculating, I'd first have the tires balanced and inspect the steering/swaybar linkage for wear. I wouldn't think the stock tires would be beyond the gear boxes specs, but if this has been a problem for a while, I'd add a steering stabilizer. The stabilizer will dampen the steerings osculations.

 

Shock absorbers!! If they haven't been replaced at 48000 then they may be due.
You should inspect and test your shocks at least at 30,000 miles and if the roads
are pretty nasty like they are here(noone knows how to patch a road here without
making it a 11/2" taller or 2" deeper than the road!!) it could wear out the shocks
even faster!!

 

Thanks, I will check all of the above.

R.L.

 

Steering stabilizers are band aids. Something else is wrong. Check all the above mentioned. Also check wheel bearings and tie rod ends.

 

I did notice front tires wearing on the outside,right side more than left.The vibration is getting worst on the highway.I look in my outside mirror and can see the bed shaking real bad.I'm looking at different tire brands but can't find very many pics. to help me choose.Can't even get into Goodyears website for some reason.Would like to see the silent armours.Today is sunday will go to a shop tomorrow to have tires chcked.Want to have some idea before going in and being raked over the coals.

Thanks

 

Just got back from the shop and the news are not what I wanted to hear.I need lower control arms.Ball joints are shot but they can't just replace them.They have to replace both control arms according to the technician.That's a cool "g" right there,then I need a new set of tires,going with the silent armours from Goodyearand that's $900.Have to think about it for a while I'm still trembling!Any words of wisdom???

 

This is ticking me off.Got a second opinion today and now all I need is an alignment.The ball joints are fine says the other technician and it's a different tire that's bad (front left not rear right).The quote was a lot lower than the first($900 compared to $2000)."I do need a new set of tires" guote from both.Went for a third opinion but it was late in the day and could'nt get one.A'm I getting jerked or what?

 

Most likely yes It is always wise to get a second opinion and when you talk to them
say you want a estimate or basically you just want them to look at it and see what they say, Don't go and say there is something wrong and needs to be repaired because
they WILL replace something or at worse clean what you have already!! Do a aligment
and replace the tire with the bulge and hit you with the big bill. Jack the truck up
and use jack stands, have some one turn the wheel back and forth, Grab your tire and
shake it in the 12 to 6 plane then the 3 to 9 plane and see if there is any play or noises that don't seem right. Another thing is take it to an alignment place maybe in
a different town and say you need and alignment ($45.00 or so) and they will usually
give you a print out of the numbers (ask for it beforehand) and will list the things that
need replacing, If they get under and right away come back and say this this and this
needs to be repalced tke it and go to another place and see what they come up with.
I am wondering if you just have some loose bolts the first place saw as a chance to
pad the bill. Either way a real good inspection should be done by you, take your time
with a flashlight, jack it up do the wheel test, check you driveshafts, jack up each wheel and spin it by hand while running your hand on it to feel for bulges. Or post in
your states section asking for help and see if some member locally could look it over
if you don't feel you know what to look for.

 

Thanks for all your help! I went with a new set of tires.The GY silent armours.Truck is running smoothly no more shaking or vibrating.I will do a wheel alignment though it's been a while since it's had one.Again thankyou for your help.

 

Do the shocks if they haven't been done yet. Your tire wear could be caused by the
shocks letting the tire bounce just a half an inch and it will cause an uneven wear
pattern. Also the tire pressure should be at what the door jamb placard states not
what the tire's max pressure on the sidewall. If you feel like taking the time and
using an injection needle on a grease gun and getting under there and greasing your
tie rod and ball joints, since they are getting dry by now If your lucky you will have
zerks but more than likely you will have to use a needle and puncture the boot, then
cover the hole with RTV or superglue it shut.