Ball Joints & Power Outlet in Ashtray

[Cummnzpowr]

OK here's a two part question:::::

---First, am i correct in assuming since i just put new tires and shocks on the truck that has over 250k miles on it that the major steering vibration that doesn't stop and feels like a BAD out of balance tire, has everything to do with upper and lower ball joints? The vibration and shaking steering column is driving me nuts especially after spending tons of money on the other obvious stuff first. It does seem to have fairly recent springs installed.



Second question::::::::::

----Why is my power outlet {cigarette lighter} not putting out any juice?Is there a connection that could be loose or a fuse that is blown to fix it?I really want to install my XM radio reciever and CB radio. . no radio as well as the steering vibration makes for a LOOOOONG 300 miles everyday for work :{ . . appreciate the help.

 

[dan brooks]

On the front end, I'd check the ball joints and control arm bushings, wheel bearings, and the steering system (tie rod ends, idler arm, etc). Any of those can cause a "shimmy" in the front end. With the number of miles on the truck it's probably a combination of a few.



The cigarette lighter is on fuse #7 in the fuse block. If the fuse is good, check the connections on the back side of the block to make sure they're intact.

 

[ARhine]

My W250 has a vibe in the steering at certain speeds. It is being caused by slop in the steering gear.

 

[1stgen4evr]

vibration/shimmy

Ball joints are never the CAUSE of this problem but will allow it to be worse if/when it occurs. There simply is no rotational dynamic to the ball joints. 250k miles isn't the cause either. My work truck has 450k and doesn't shake while my 100k mile Sunday driver does.



You don't say whether you have replaced the parts in the pot joint or replaced it with a Borgesen steering shaft. That is the first thing I would check then examine other things. You may have a bent wheel or warped hub or rotor that is the origin of the problem. (Wheel weights won't correct the problem)



I have heard of people trading their truck because some bimbo at an alignment shop told them it was going to require a complete front end rebuild. I have heard of spending two thousand bucks and still have the shake.



I have two parts trucks that I can rob so when I get off my lazy tail, I will fix the Sunday driver, but I won't be putting ball joints in. And yes, 300 miles of daily shaking will drive you batty.



James

 

[Cummnzpowr]

..

James,no i haven't replaced anything of what you mentioned I just got the truck last week. So. . Borgeson steering shaft and maybe all the control arm bushings. I do know the ball joints are bad, when i turn the wheel too sharp to either side i get a nasty bang underneath like a firing range under the truck. Hopefully i get it fixed.

 

[jandtjil]

When you start repairing/replacing steering components, add a steering stabilzer to the list if it still stock.



JJ

 

[TKingsbury]

If this shaking started when you did the tires, that's where I'd start. Take it back and have them respin the tires and make sure you don't have a bent wheel and make sure they balanced them right (watch tem do it). Find the correct procedure for centering dually wheels and make them do it. If this doesn't cure your problem, then look elsewhere. If your front end is worn out, fix it even if your shake is cured before hand, you'll thank yourself later.

Travis. .

 

[Cummnzpowr]

tires

The shaking was the same before and after the tires were installed. . shocks only helped the "ocean liner" affect on dipped roads. Oo. Oo. LOL

 

[Madurski]

I looked into a steering stablizer and the few places around town all told me there was no such beast (at least in their books).



Any suggestions?

 

[MPurves]

Front Shimmy

I have 93 D250 with 150k and have just recently replace the shocks and tires also have put in a borgenson shaft which have all made it a much better ride but I still have a shimmy in my front end. I have had the rotors checked and bushings all are in tolerance. So my thoughts are the wheel bearings are at fault and they are coming next. If you are looking for an after market steering stablizer look at skyjacker.com.

 

[Scot]

I had 2 bent rims on the front and it would shake my brains out.

 

[mdatc]

Shook my brains out for 115k. Had the 2000$ front end rebuild done, 3 sets of new tires with balancing done at various places and rim centering with four centering nuts. I was about to get a new truck but sticker shock said try one last time. Off to Walmart for 4 new tires on a dually, the guy balanced them correctly, the shaking went away, and I went back and bought the other 2 tires!!!! I actually have had 15k of shakefree miles!!!!! Now to repair all the body damage (stress cracks) from all the previous shaking. TIRE BALANCE and centering nuts!!!!