Shake in steering wheel on turns

[bighammer]

I went off-roading to look at some acreage for sale over the weekend and since then have some oscillation in the steering wheel on turns. Almost like it is still in four wheel drive. Everything is fine going straight.



I checked the front driveshaft and it turns (xfer case not engaged) and jacked a wheel on each side. (difs appear to be functioning) Wheels seem to be pointed the same direction, so I don't think the allignment is (way) out. The suspention seems to be intact, and I've rotated the tires so I don't think it's a bent wheel. I'm kind of puzzled. Any thoughts?

 

[juicedcummins]

I've got it too and can't fiqure it out!

I'm going in the front end shop again in the am and hopefully they can find it.

In this case I know it is not a rim because I just put on new ones a week ago and spun them myself. They all ran real true and needed very little weight to balance.

It could be tooo much toe in because I no I'm at 12 and spec is 0-10. It will be set at 3 or 4 when i;m done to see if it helps.

 

[SSchirmers]

steering wheel shake

Just a thought jack up front end turn wheels to the left spin by hand left wheel and see if it binds while rotating if it does it is your u-joints. Ido not know what year your trucks are but you could give it a try. do it to both sides to see what happens



steve

 

[bighammer]

I'll give it a try Steve. I didn't think to spin the wheels while turned. I replaced the right u joint a couple months ago and the left one last year.



Sort of strange, but it is more noticeable when the wheel is returning to center out of a turn or when backing up while turning. Maybe I'm due for a professional alignment.

 

[bighammer]

Update

I jacked the front left and spun the wheel with the steering wheel turned. I almost couldn't turn the wheel all the way around. Seems like the u-joint is binding like it's axis is off. The wheels seem to try to straighten or turn sharper as I rotate the wheel. I'm putting on new calipers and rotors anyway, so I will try to find what is screwed up.



I was in a field of tall wet grass that was a little too slick for 2wd. Went into 4wd and crept along slowly. I wasn't airborne or puttin' the coals to it.

 

[bighammer]

It's the U-joint

Only 9 months old. I'd be pretty pi$$ed if I weren't pulling it all appart for the new rotors and calipers anyway. The parts store is delivering a new one to my wifes office so she can bring it home for me.



Thanks for the help.

 

[SSchirmers]

shaking steering

Glad you were able to find the problem good luck with install if you have any ? on frame or suspension email and i will see if i can help.

 

[SSchirmers]

shaking steering wheel

I finished reading your post and i didnot give you a complete reply. It is your u-joint that is bad maybe on the first install it was a little tight and could not move as freely as it needed to which will take that joint out in a hurry. again any ? email me and i will do what i can.



steve

 

[bighammer]

Nothing was tight or binding when I put it in. I had partially filled each of the caps with grease and it had been greased a few times since. One side of it was completely dry and rusty Somehow, that one cap was not getting any new grease. I got the new one in and it's all back together. I just need to finish bleeding the brakes. I used a whole quart of new fluid. New calipers, master cylinder, and lines and hoses hold more than I would've guessed.



Thanks again,

Pete