definitive cause of death wobble

[kennys@wi.rr.com]

Funny we talk about wheel balancers and A2's. I have an A2 here at the shop for another member and one tire on the back has weights on it. On the inside and outside of the tire. I have never seen that on an A2 or any bias ply tire. If you look at the top of the tire, through all the spilled brake fluid as the bleeder was plugged, you will see the weights.

 

[ODdave]

No, those are the correct parts. I am talking about the steering part. You *could* add the steering box, but unless its been run dry or defective its not a *WEAR* part.

The axle has rotating part, but we are talking about steering components.. and those are the only steering components on the truck.

Springs do not steer the truck, they are there to absorb road loads transmitted to the truck via the tire.

And you mentioned 4 items........

 

[gringeltaube]

G, how are you guys balancing them? with a spin balancer or a static/bubble type? .....

I suppose you already saw my post here?: http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/32924-14-5-xl-rear-tire-harmonics-2.html#post354685

... I ask because shops around here wont touch a tire this size

Same over here, for anything over 35"/150lb !! - which implied doing it in my own shop... and with very good results so far!

G.

 

[paulfarber]

And you mentioned 4 items........

At this point I believe you have no idea WTH you are talking about.

Unless you are talking about the drag link and pitman arm as being separate... I guess they are technically, but I never replace/rebuild one without the other.... if the pitman arm ball is worn, the drag link also needs rebuilt/replaced and vice versa.

 

[natem]

Front end alignment.

Under lined, Bold text !!!!!!!

Nate

 

[ODdave]

At this point I believe you have no idea WTH you are talking about.

Unless you are talking about the drag link and pitman arm as being separate... I guess they are technically, but I never replace/rebuild one without the other.... if the pitman arm ball is worn, the drag link also needs rebuilt/replaced and vice versa.

coming from the guy who can't count....Dont get mad at me, i was polite and didnt aproach you with an additude. I simply pointed out that you listed 4 items. I dont care if you say one should be replaced with the other, YOU listed 4...........

With all due (or not due) respect, i was only trying to be helpfull.

 

[paulfarber]

Really? Its not like you solved PI or discovered the Higgs Boson.

Well, at least you can count.... my job here is done


I don't think an alignment would cause the wobble... your tires would show wear if it was an alignment issue. Cupping is the most visible clue.

Setting tow-in requires a long piece of string then just adjust the tie rods. Shoot for about 1/8th in (well, thats what I use on my CCKW).

Castor/camber is a whole 'nutter story.

I have a wobble... right at 40 mph. Speeding up to 45 fixes it.

 

[m16ty]

Someone posted a vid awhile back of a A3 that had a so called "death wobble". It looked like a mild shimmy to me. I had a '74 Chevy that I called a death wobble. It was usually started by hitting a bump in the road and was so bad that you would almost loose control. The only way to get it to stop was to come to a complete stop and take back off again.

 

[ODdave]

As said before, a "death wobble" is caused by worn steering / suspention items. Every truck has items that will enhance the problem more than others. I have had the death shake in fords with TTB, dodges with coil springs, chevys with both IFS and dana 60's, and in the deuce.

You need to do a VERY thurogh inspection / shakedown and have the alignment checked. Camber, caster & toe. Any med / heavy truck service center should be able to help you with this. You may have to find the specs on your own though.

We do not need / want you or anyone with these truck to ignore an issue like this that could posibly result in a disaster do to loss of control. PLEASE let us know the results of your findings.

Thanks, ODdave.

 

[goodguyzy]

i also have a "shimmy" at about 45. really noticeable on a bad road. driver side front tire is starting to show wear and cupping after 2k miles. I was going to have the front end aligned

 

[greg2560]

As said before, a "death wobble" is caused by worn steering / suspention items. Every truck has items that will enhance the problem more than others. I have had the death shake in fords with TTB, dodges with coil springs, chevys with both IFS and dana 60's, and in the deuce.

You need to do a VERY thurogh inspection / shakedown and have the alignment checked. Camber, caster & toe. Any med / heavy truck service center should be able to help you with this. You may have to find the specs on your own though.

We do not need / want you or anyone with these truck to ignore an issue like this that could posibly result in a disaster do to loss of control. PLEASE let us know the results of your findings.

Thanks, ODdave.

I got a 1980 ford 4x4 did the same thing had a bad drag link.. Looks like the front end needs to be reworked. Lots of slack some where