Drag link causing front end shake?
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 489
Likes: 1
Drag link causing front end shake?
I have a 93 F150 4X4 that has a bad shake in it when I hit 60+ MPH. It is definitely in the front end.
I have relatively new front upper and lower ball joints and they have been greased regularly. I also replaced the tie rod ends and put new springs in the last year. Tires have been balanced recently too. Nothing has made this go away.
The steering feels very tight and responsive. The only thing that I haven't replaced is the drag link and the truck has 130K on it.
Could the drag link be causing this issue and is there a way to inspect it to see if it needs replacing?
I have relatively new front upper and lower ball joints and they have been greased regularly. I also replaced the tie rod ends and put new springs in the last year. Tires have been balanced recently too. Nothing has made this go away.
The steering feels very tight and responsive. The only thing that I haven't replaced is the drag link and the truck has 130K on it.
Could the drag link be causing this issue and is there a way to inspect it to see if it needs replacing?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 8
From: Baltimore
It's a process of elimination.
Did this problem start after you did something to the truck?
One at a time, jack up each front tire. Rock the tire back and forth in the 9 and 3 o'clock position.
If there is any play that would indicate problems with the tie rods or drag link.
Any play in the 12 and 6 o'clock position indicates ball joints.
In and out play, wheel bearings. The wheels should spin smoothly and freely with some resistance
from the brake pads dragging on the rotor. (Hubs not locked).
If any tire has uneven wear that would indicated worn suspension parts or a front end alignment problem.
My guess since the problem is at high speed, one of the front wheels/tire is out of balance or it could be a tire
with a bad belt. (Replace tire).
If you have a spare tire install that and see if the problem goes away.
Even thou you said the tires were rebalanced, it all depends on the person
who verified the balance and the quality of the equipment they used. Did he actually remove the old weights
and re balance the tire and rim or did he just verify the balance?
Did this problem start after you did something to the truck?
One at a time, jack up each front tire. Rock the tire back and forth in the 9 and 3 o'clock position.
If there is any play that would indicate problems with the tie rods or drag link.
Any play in the 12 and 6 o'clock position indicates ball joints.
In and out play, wheel bearings. The wheels should spin smoothly and freely with some resistance
from the brake pads dragging on the rotor. (Hubs not locked).
If any tire has uneven wear that would indicated worn suspension parts or a front end alignment problem.
My guess since the problem is at high speed, one of the front wheels/tire is out of balance or it could be a tire
with a bad belt. (Replace tire).
If you have a spare tire install that and see if the problem goes away.
Even thou you said the tires were rebalanced, it all depends on the person
who verified the balance and the quality of the equipment they used. Did he actually remove the old weights
and re balance the tire and rim or did he just verify the balance?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
salf100
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Nov 26, 2012 11:25 AM
flcobra
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Nov 4, 2008 09:08 PM
