Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Low speed front end wobble ??

[Turbo Terry]

1999 153k. I have a low speed front end wobble when I'm coming to a slow stop Also on slow speed turns. I have a genos steering brace for sometime now. It feels kind of like when your in 4 wheel drive on dry pavement. What and where should I begin looking for the problem

 

[DVolk]

Warped Rotors

 

[phantomusa]

Jack up your wheels and spin them some times a outta round tire or bent wheel mite cause it

 

[SAndreasen]

Stuck caliper maybe spray a little penetrating oil on the sliding rails don't get it on the brake rotor or pads

 

[GrantP]

It could be warped rotors if it happens when you are on the brakes. If it happens while turning (no brakes applied) check the front axle u-joints. Jack up the front of the truck, turn the wheels all the way to one side and turn the tire by hand. If it binds up while turning, it's u-joints. My 97 axle ujoints failed around the same mileage as yours.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Thanks. I have a huge amount of play in my tie rods. After 153 k I guess I might need some front end work.

 

[phantomusa]

Glad you found a problem the first thing a mechanic should do is get all wheel off the ground and check play in any steering or suspension parts then check wheels and tires for outta balance or outta round
In this day and age of sealed no grease needed parts ball joints and steering joints wear faster
My biggest peeve is no grease fittings on wearable parts
Remember to do a alignment after repairs

 

[gtwitch]

I had this problem occure on my friends 2500 and this cause was the U joint on the axle on the right side was very stiff and could not be greased, so in a very slight turn ( i mean very slight and then a more sharp turn) the severe wobble was there. Replaced both axle u joints, checked bearings and brakes replaced while at it and problems went away!
gtwitch in wyoming

 

[Turbo Terry]

Ok for a update. My front end is repaired. Pretty major job. Steering box front shocks tie rods etc. also had a grabby right front rotor on brakes. At any rate with 154 k of alaska roads hauling a 2500 lbs camper etc in the summer months It's ok. I still like the truck and don't want a new one. I understand this truck somewhat after all this time. But also back in 2001 when I had a local 4x4 place put Rancho 5 position shocks and a steering stabilizer on they put way to short of front shocks on And on our roads with big severe frost heaves the front end was being damaged when it went to the top on the shock . I just got back from a 2 k road trip over to the Yukon on some of the roughest roads ever and feel really lucky I didn't break down out in the middle of no where. Life goes on