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What causes speed wobble that's not tire balance/alignment?

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by mermalady, May 18, 2018.

  1. May 18, 2018 at 2:24 PM
    #1
    mermalady

    mermalady [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have a pretty bad shake at 60-70mph, ish. Stops after going past that, though I usually just drive under that speed.
    I've had my tires balanced and aligned twice, just to be sure. The first time it helped, but in the year or so since it's gotten worse again. No noticeable cupping on wheels and no tire place has mentioned anything.
    What could it be? Should I be worried about tie rod ends/ball joints/wheel bearings? Should I be off the road? What should I check and how?
    No other symptoms that I can tell; I don't *think* the steering feels loose but I'll listen to your favorite way to check that.

    edit: I should mention, new shocks all around, and new discs up front. Though I did have to right my truck after a partial roll (see my post history)
     
    Last edited: May 18, 2018
  2. May 18, 2018 at 2:35 PM
    #2
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    Have you ever changed the wheel bearings and how many miles are on the truck
     
  3. May 18, 2018 at 2:37 PM
    #3
    mermalady

    mermalady [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Nope, and 190k. No whine or roar from the wheels.
     
  4. May 18, 2018 at 2:38 PM
    #4
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    Have you ever changed the shocks ?
     
  5. May 18, 2018 at 2:39 PM
    #5
    fatfurious2

    fatfurious2 IG: great_white_taco

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    do you have all of your lug nuts?
     
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  6. May 18, 2018 at 2:39 PM
    #6
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    Could be a broken belt in a tire. Sometimes they'll balance ok.

    Rotate tires and see if vibration moves.
     
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  7. May 18, 2018 at 2:40 PM
    #7
    inwood customs

    inwood customs Roaming potato

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    The last balance was a year ago?
    Roadforce balance?

    Not a walmart balance right?
     
  8. May 18, 2018 at 2:43 PM
    #8
    mermalady

    mermalady [OP] Well-Known Member

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    There was a ballance a year ago, and then one a month ago after the roll. Nope, not walmart, and the guy passed muster with me for 'knowing his stuff and actually giving a shit about his work'.
     
  9. May 18, 2018 at 2:43 PM
    #9
    mermalady

    mermalady [OP] Well-Known Member

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    read my post. New as of 2k miles ago.
     
  10. May 18, 2018 at 2:45 PM
    #10
    mermalady

    mermalady [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hm, i don't think it was road force. Could it make that huge of a difference?
     
  11. May 18, 2018 at 2:48 PM
    #11
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    Yes. IF there is no tire damage and IF the tech knows how to use the machine right and IF they are willing to do the extra work needed if the machine indicates it's needed.
     
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  12. May 18, 2018 at 2:49 PM
    #12
    TacoMoose

    TacoMoose Well-Known Member

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    check your tie rods for play
     
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  13. May 18, 2018 at 2:51 PM
    #13
    mermalady

    mermalady [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Best way to do that, anything besides having someone in the truck wiggling the steering wheel and me underneath watching?
     
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  14. May 18, 2018 at 3:00 PM
    #14
    TacoMoose

    TacoMoose Well-Known Member

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    absolutely, pull the emergency brake, jack the front up so both the front tires are off the ground, and hold the tire in the 9 and 3 position and move it back and forth. any small amount of play will cause a vibration at high speeds. you have inner tie rods, and outer tie rods. the outer is rod is the one closest to the wheel, the inner tie rod is the one with the boot on it. it helps if someone is under it looking to see for movement, but if you dont have someone else you can just go by feel. a good tie rod wont have any loose play, the tire will be tight.
     
  15. May 18, 2018 at 3:02 PM
    #15
    mermalady

    mermalady [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I just moved and just have a single jack with me- is it still useful if i do it one wheel up at a time?
     
  16. May 18, 2018 at 3:02 PM
    #16
    hoverlover

    hoverlover Never pet a burning dog.

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    Things. Stuff. Lots of bad decisions.
    Mostly Zip-Ties
    Check your ball joints as well.
     
  17. May 18, 2018 at 3:03 PM
    #17
    mermalady

    mermalady [OP] Well-Known Member

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    How do?
     
  18. May 18, 2018 at 3:13 PM
    #18
    hoverlover

    hoverlover Never pet a burning dog.

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    Things. Stuff. Lots of bad decisions.
    Mostly Zip-Ties
    This article is more thorough than I'm willing to type out on my phone. They may not be the culprit themselves but if your steering geometry is off and your ball joints are at the end of their lifespan you'll be a position to develop that harmonic vibration.

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.wikihow.com/Check-Ball-Joints?amp=1

    In Jeeps, at least.
     
  19. May 18, 2018 at 6:43 PM
    #19
    TacoMoose

    TacoMoose Well-Known Member

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    yes you can do it one at a time
     
  20. May 19, 2018 at 3:18 PM
    #20
    mermalady

    mermalady [OP] Well-Known Member

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    thanks!
     

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