Occasional weird steering problem

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Aug 12, 2009 | 11:26 AM

kirkharrod

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Joined: Aug 2008

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From: Frankfort, KY

Occasional weird steering problem

It just did this to me again today. Occasionally, I get a feeling in the steering wheel like the front tires are in "ruts". The steering wheel feels like it is moving back and forth on its own (approx. 20 degrees each way?) and has some resistance if I try to correct the steering. It almost feels like I am on one of those theme park driving rides where you can't leave the track. It did this for about a mile, then back to normal. It did this last weekend one time, and I think I remember another time also.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Aug 12, 2009 | 11:38 AM

squaredancer

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Garden Grove, Ca

I had a similar experience not long ago. It went away when the RF tire blew while going 70 on the freeway. Turns out it was tread separation. Hard to see when standing still. You might want to lift each tire and rotate it slowly and check.

Aug 12, 2009 | 12:01 PM

kirkharrod

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From: Frankfort, KY

Thanks I will check that later today. The tires only have 12,000 miles on them, but I did buy an unknown brand, Hankook Dynapro, on the recommendation of the tire store owner, who is a family friend.

Aug 12, 2009 | 02:15 PM

Waltdog

of American machinists

Joined: Oct 2004

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From: NORTH IDAHO

There have been alot of complaints about thread seperation and Hankooks on the web. Everywhere that sells them really pushes those tires. Can you look at the tires and see if they are made in Korea or made in china?

Aug 12, 2009 | 03:48 PM

Mike F250

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Joined: Feb 2007

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From: Williamston, MI

My truck did the same thing a few times about 1 year ago. I posted on the problem a few times and have since been following every thread that mentions this. My problem has not returned so it's hard to find the problem. Most common recommendation is to check the u joints on the front axles. Also check/clean hub locks to ensure they are working properly.
Anyone else find the solution to their problem?

Aug 12, 2009 | 07:57 PM

caleb90

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Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 613

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From: Ky

my truck was doing that not to long ago it turned out to be a ujoint..

Aug 12, 2009 | 08:06 PM

UrbanXX

Posting Guru

Joined: Sep 2008

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As Caleb said, this is typically a sign of a U-Joint problem. I have to agree with his post.

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Aug 14, 2009 | 06:25 PM

kirkharrod

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From: Frankfort, KY

Thanks you guys. It did turn out to be the U joint on the passenger side. It was "froze up". The job took a long time on the first side, then much quicker on the second side. I had to take the axles to an axle shop to get the U joints out of the yokes. I could not get them out with press I had, and they had like a 100 ton press!

The steering problem is gone now. It was caused by the pass. side U joint not rotating. I am going to do a write up for U joint replacement.