SHAKING and PULLING: I'm Running Out Of Ideas - Any ADVICE?

[KIRK!]

I've run out of ideas as to what's causing the steering issues with my Monty. It pulls right fairly significantly and I have to keep a constant pressure to the left - clocked about 10-degrees. Then, around 40 mph the wheel starts to shake. I have had two shops look at the alignment. It's great. I have had the tires rebalanced three times. I have tried swapping wheels and tires left to right and front to back. Non of these things have had any affect at all.

Any ideas? Has anyone had this issue? Steering box? Front end bushings?

Thanks!

 

[Mudrunner]

Have you had you rotors checked? I know Jeep Grand Cherokee's used to warp rotors like they were soft candy. Warped rotors will cause that same issue. Does it get worse when brakes applied? Pull harder when applied, anything like that when brakes applied could be rotors.

 

[teotwaki]

tie rods?

bushings on A-arms shot?

do you have rack & pinion (check bushings) or a gearbox (check pitman arm)?

Check the steering column and linkage to whatever steering mecanism you have.

 

[OverlanderFJ62]

I would be checking my Idler Arm (I would start with this based on your post), it will present the issues that you are describing (but not ruling out other components, this would be my 1st inclination). As with all front end parts each individual item will work against the other when worn and cause premature ware/failure on other components if not addressed. Hopefully this is one suggestion you can lean toward with your process of elimination, their will be lots of help and suggestions for you as your post gains momentum.

I hope all goes well, and keep us updated with your fix.

 

[KIRK!]

I think the rotors are fine. My Tacoma warps them like crazy though.

Have you had you rotors checked? I know Jeep Grand Cherokee's used to warp rotors like they were soft candy. Warped rotors will cause that same issue. Does it get worse when brakes applied? Pull harder when applied, anything like that when brakes applied could be rotors.

I thought about the idler arm too. Maybe I'll just replace it for good measure.

I would be checking my Idler Arm (I would start with this based on your post), it will present the issues that you are describing (but not ruling out other components, this would be my 1st inclination). As with all front end parts each individual item will work against the other when worn and cause premature ware/failure on other components if not addressed. Hopefully this is one suggestion you can lean toward with your process of elimination, their will be lots of help and suggestions for you as your post gains momentum.

I hope all goes well, and keep us updated with your fix.

View attachment 157472

 

[stioc]

Do you feel there might be some extra slack in the steering rack? If so, you can typically adjust it:

http://www.valvoline.com/car-care/automotive-system/steering/ccr20060701sr

 

[OverlanderFJ62]

Shaking and Pulling: I'm Running Out Of Ideas - Any Advise ?

Kirk

If not all ready, this may be of interest also...................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0rlsxujr0w

 

[off-roader]

Having purchased my rig with 170k I discovered quickly that I had similar issues. in my case it was a combination of several things...
Worn idler arm (replaced)
Worn wheel bearings (replaced)
Bad steering alignment (aligned)
Slightly bent drag link (to be replaced... Eventually. LOL)

I've been able to correct the alignment enough that it overcomes the bent drag link so I'm holding off on replacing it.

HTH.

 

[KIRK!]

Sure seems like my problem. Thanks! Now I have a project for Sunday.

Kirk

If not all ready, this may be of interest also...................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0rlsxujr0w

 

[KIRK!]

Actually, I think I may have had the idler arm replaced. I have to check my receipts.

 

[KIRK!]

Steering box, not rack and pinion.

tie rods?

bushings on A-arms shot?

do you have rack & pinion (check bushings) or a gearbox (check pitman arm)?

Check the steering column and linkage to whatever steering mecanism you have.

 

[shov3lbum]

I'll tell you right now, it may be the steering box, I'm at 160K miles on my montero sport and assuming the monteros and sports use similar steering geometry set-ups. I have the same exact issues you describe ever since getting my sport at 89K miles:

Werid vibration/loud humb at certain speeds, in my case between 55mph-62mph (roughly)
Shaking of the steering wheel and general "wobble" of the front end at most speeds between 35mph-65/70mph

I have also had the tires balanced multiple times, multiple alignments, etc... And actually as of this past summer I have replaced every single component in the steering system and on the front end. My tire wear is literally perfect guys that rotate them for me when I don't have time always exclaim the great even wear my tires all exhibit. Brake system just redone, new rotors, new pads, new calipers even. I've been looking at steering boxes recently as I'm at wit's end here.

The good thing? My truck is almost paid off, less than 6 months away! (I looked into paying it off early= saving $15 or so)

The bad part? I lost track of how much time and money I've put into the rig after $7,000 was crossed! :snorkel:

 

[Michael Brown]

If you have not yet checked the bearings, then lift up each end and see if you can get the wheels to rock back and forth on the bearing. They should not move at all if they are in good shape. I had to replace both front bearings on my '01 at around 100k miles. Otherwise it may be the steering box.

 

[off-roader]

If you have not yet checked the bearings, then lift up each end and see if you can get the wheels to rock back and forth on the bearing. They should not move at all if they are in good shape. I had to replace both front bearings on my '01 at around 100k miles. Otherwise it may be the steering box.

You do this by grabbing the wheel at the top and bottom and checking how much it moves when you push the top in and pul the bottom out / vice versa simultaneously. There should be very little play (not including actual tire sidewall deflection).

 

[KIRK!]

OK, got home to inspect. I did replace the idler arm and the pitman arm a few hundred miles ago.