[TitaninFL]

Hi All,

2008 4WD LE

Trying to chase down a steering wheel wobble that can occur anywhere between 30 and 65 MPH. I've tried new tires, new rims, balancing, road force balancing, rotating tires, replacing sway bar end links (those helped tighten things up and make them more obvious, but didn't fix the wobble), inspecting tie rod ends (inner and outer) and wheel bearing inspections. Everything is high and tight.

This shake will come and go at times.. sometimes cornering helps (almost always right bends...)and it will go from a shake so bad you can barely hold on to the steering wheel to completely glass smooth in a 5 second corner. Left turns typically induce the shaking. Right turns typically make it go away. (although not always). All of this testing is using speed control. Speed doesn't really matter other than if you slow down to less than 30 MPH or so, it will generally go away. Last note, when the shaking is occurring, the vehicle typically pulls slightly to the right, even if i'm below 30 MPH. Just feels straighter when it's not going to wobble... I know that's hard to explain.

SO, my next thought was lower control arm bushings. I got underneath and found that on the front driver side, it was evenly spaced between the bushing and the mount, but on the passenger front bushing, it was rammed to the front. So I did some reading and found that some people suggest turning the wheel all the way each direction, and checking for movement. Below is what I videoed, and I think that it ended up in a different place than it started... this can't be right correct?

https://youtu.be/pQ7dfrMM-yk

ANY thoughts appreciated... I love a good challenge, but this one is driving me insane .

 

[honda250xtitan]

Do a search for PRG delrin spacers. it'll tighten it up without needing to take anything apart. Common issue.

 

[HRTKD]

Sort of sounds like a wheel bearing to me. I replaced mine when one side started to make noise. It never caused a wobble but I suppose if you let it go long enough it could.

 

[LaxDfns15]

Think I'm in the same boat. Just bought a sheet of Delrin plastic since I'll get it faster and cheaper than PRG. Next step is new LCA's if those don't work. New wheel bearings after that. I'm at 135k and haven't touched my LCA's (other than cam bolts) or wheel bearings since new. Figured I'd start with the cheapest and work my way up.

 

[LSturbointeg]

Sort of sounds like a wheel bearing to me. I replaced mine when one side started to make noise. It never caused a wobble but I suppose if you let it go long enough it could.

i'm with HRTKD on this. i don't see how the LCA would cause your wheel to wobble like crazy. with bearings it can be intermittent. alot of times when turning the noise will go away. did you try the 9-3 test or whatever hand placement it is? lift of your wheel and grab at whatever position it is and if it wobbles than it's your wheel bearings.

but like Honda said Derlin Spacers from PRG can help but seems like quite a bit of play. maybe look into swapping to some new LCA's

 

[TitaninFL]

Thanks for the thoughts all - You guys are so helpful!!

Wheel Bearing Folks - I have done the 9 - 3 test, and inspected everything I can about the bearings. There is no play in the wheel in any direction, and there is no noise from either front bearing while driving. If one was so bad as to cause this type of shake, I would have to think it would be making noise, or grinding a bit when I turn the wheel. But I haven't ruled this out, just the more expensive (and PIA fix), so I figured I'd start with what I know isn't right.

PRG Spacer Folks - I ordered a sheet of 1/8" Delrin plastic and the PDF template to make them. I'll be doing the "U" shape snap-on trick just to see if this has any impact on the issue. If it helps or resolved, I will be replacing the bushings and bolts all together. If no change, then I guess I'll be narrowed down to a bearing on (fill in blank) side! . Either way, worth 15$ to find out!

I saw someone do a GoPro Video while driving. I think that might be my next move if these spacers don't help.

Will keep posting on this rollercoaster, and again, thanks for the comments!

 

[Tyler21]

Sorry to bring up an old thread but where did you find a template and the delrin plastic to make the temporary snap on spacers. Id like to try them before i commit to putting the actual ones on. Thanks

 

[LaxDfns15]

I can make a set and mail them to you. Just PM me if you're interested.

 

[LSturbointeg]

Sorry to bring up an old thread but where did you find a template and the delrin plastic to make the temporary snap on spacers. Id like to try them before i commit to putting the actual ones on. Thanks

I've seen these derlin sheets at the big box office stores. nothing a jigsaw couldn't cut. unless you want it perfect than either have LaxDfns make them or order from PRG

 

[TitaninFL]

Sorry to bring up an old thread but where did you find a template and the delrin plastic to make the temporary snap on spacers. Id like to try them before i commit to putting the actual ones on. Thanks

I bought the Delrin on Amazon, and used a Holesaw and a spade bit to drill them out. (Holesaw for outer, space for inner). There was a PDF diagram kicking around with the dimensions, try doing a search for “Delrin Spacers” on both forums. For what it’s worth, mine have been on there now since this post and still fine. If you cut a small enough slot to pop them on, they will stay forever. Also (just as an update to the thread) the original vibration problem wasn’t the spacers, it was a bad hub assembly. Replaced both assemblies and it changed my truck.

Good luck!

 

[LaxDfns15]

Tyler your PM's are full, I can't reply.