Shakes sometimes

[beavis0076]

Hello all,

I have a 91 SE that has a pretty bad shake on the highway. It is not constant, often it rides smooth and straight, but then out of no where it starts to shake bad, not just the steering wheel, but the whole truck. I have done the bounce test to see if a shock was bad... all seem very good. I have looked at the tension rod bushings and they appear to be in great shape. I live in seattle so all the rubber seems to last a long time and looks to be good. I don't think it's a wheel balance issue as it is only sometimes... and same for a bad tire. Thoughts anyone... tie rod? Ball Joint? I havn't jacked it up to test them yet, and don't really have a great place to do that.....

Also... lol.... anyone know what a clutch job should cost me.. with a fly wheel resurface? And maybe a good shop in the Seattle area?mine is warped bad.....

Any help would be great!!!

 

Beavis

[edicer2]

check the compression rod settings

 

http://npora.ipbhost.com//index.php?showto...rod+tension+rod

there a few pictures that show where it is a ways down. i had that problem when i got to a certain speed mine would shake like my wheel would fall off.

[beavis0076]

Yes, I checked out that thread... but dont see that there is settings.. or adjustability... only that they can bend or have the bushings wear out....did I miss something?

[Precise1]

anyone know what a clutch job should cost me.. with a fly wheel resurface?

You can do it yourself for 250-$300. Most shop would charge you, oh, 1000-$1200+

 

As for the shake, I'd guess loose front end components and/or bad alignment. I'm guessing certain road grades or crown makes things start to shake.

 

B

[beavis0076]

sigh.. no doing it myself... I have 3 broken veterbre..... transmissions = heavy= "ohhh.. my friggin back!!!" lol

oh, and I am only a screwdriver mechanic... but i give great advice! LMAO

and yes, a road crown makes a huge diff.... hmm.... it drives so straight though.. i don't think its the alighnment,,,,but i guess it might be.... why does everything cost $$$??? I like it when i can "fix" something like a starter with a hammer!!! lol!

[edicer2]

ha sorry i figured i would post that to that rod just in case idk i didn't notice it at first but i noticed it was broke later on are you sure you don't have like ice in one of your rims or something? that can cause a random wobble sometimes too. idk where your located. just throwing things out there. also make sure that shock looking thing that helps with steering's bolts are tight mine had a loose bolt and it made the steering and front kind wobbly. made a huge difference

[Kingman]

The compression rod (tension rod, whatever) usually only make the steering wheel shake, not the whole truck.

 

There is no adjustibility, just new bushings which you can get at www.rockauto.com

 

 

 

[edicer2]

yeah i guess idk i was just throwing it out there. my whole truck shook when it broke lol

[Kingman]

And it starts shaking unprovoked, right? No bumps or anything, just smooth surface then suddenly starts shaking with no apparent cause?

[beavis0076]

ha sorry i figured i would post that to that rod just in case idk i didn't notice it at first but i noticed it was broke later on are you sure you don't have like ice in one of your rims or something? that can cause a random wobble sometimes too. idk where your located. just throwing things out there. also make sure that shock looking thing that helps with steering's bolts are tight mine had a loose bolt and it made the steering and front kind wobbly. made a huge difference

 

No ice or snow..lol. I am in Seattle so its in the 40's at night... I checked for mud.. but nada....

 

The compression rod (tension rod, whatever) usually only make the steering wheel shake, not the whole truck.

 

 

 

There is no adjustibility, just new bushings which you can get at www.rockauto.com

 

 

Wow! Mine def dosn't looklike that... it looks brand new.....

 

And it starts shaking unprovoked, right? No bumps or anything, just smooth surface then suddenly starts shaking with no apparent cause?

 

right... unprovoked.... and its not just in the steering wheel... i thought it was from the back at first... but not sure now... feels like i have a broken shock and the wheel is skipping down the road.... but it isnt...??? ... sigh... lmao

[Simon]

Wheel bearings. Jack up the front end, and move the tire in and out while grabbing the top and bottom. If there's play, have someone else confirm that your ball joints and UCA's are all tight. If so, wheel bearings.

[adamzan]

I had the same issue and turned out it was a combo of bad center link, tie rods, and drivers side wheel bearing being loose.

[Precise1]

Perhaps the nut behind the steering wheel is loose or faulty?

 

B

[beavis0076]

Wheel bearings. Jack up the front end, and move the tire in and out while grabbing the top and bottom. If there's play, have someone else confirm that your ball joints and UCA's are all tight. If so, wheel bearings.

 

Ok, thanks! will do! ... I can just repack em if they are loose right?

 

I had the same issue and turned out it was a combo of bad center link, tie rods, and drivers side wheel bearing being loose.

 

I am seeing a theme here... :-)

 

Perhaps the nut behind the steering wheel is loose or faulty?

 

B

 

Maybe loose but def not faulty!

[jpawela]

Any update for us?

[beavis0076]

Yea... lol!! still shaking and still driving it.... dont have the money or the time right now to fix it. I am saving up for a trans rebuild as it is currenty whining. She can take it for a little longer~!

Edited February 26, 2009 by beavis0076