Front End Wobble...not Sure If It's The Infamous Dw

[Virginia]

This problem comes and goes.  It hasn't happened in almost a year then started about 2 days ago.  I hit a bump in the road and I get a front end wobble.  If I turn the steering wheel slightly to one side or the other, it stops and will ride smooth.

 

Today, I had 4 new tires put on and the alignment checked.  I was told everything under there was nice and tight and there were no problems.  I was driving home and it happened again.  Hit a bump, wobble, turn the wheel slightly and it stops until I hit another bump.  

 

While driving and while it's running smoothly, I let go of the steering wheel and it runs nice and straight.

 

Not sure what to check now unless the tech only did the alignment and didn't check to make sure everything was ok under there.

 

Thoughts?

[Rockfrog]

well check the trac bar, and check for play in the steering box .... at the input and the pitman arm.

 

Sounds like you have worn steering components .... DW is a hell ride that simply turning the wheel does not cure. I've finally cured it in my XJ I do not want to go there again.

 

So rest easy in knowing what you have isn't DW although it may be just and PITA to source and solve.

[Virginia]

I'll check them again.

[mvusse]

This problem comes and goes.  It hasn't happened in almost a year then started about 2 days ago.  I hit a bump in the road and I get a front end wobble.  If I turn the steering wheel slightly to one side or the other, it stops and will ride smooth.

 

Today, I had 4 new tires put on and the alignment checked.  I was told everything under there was nice and tight and there were no problems.  I was driving home and it happened again.  Hit a bump, wobble, turn the wheel slightly and it stops until I hit another bump.  

 

While driving and while it's running smoothly, I let go of the steering wheel and it runs nice and straight.

 

Not sure what to check now unless the tech only did the alignment and didn't check to make sure everything was ok under there.

 

Thoughts?

 

WHEN you have actual death wobble, you will know it. The only thought going through your head is "I'M GONNA DIE!!!!!" as the truck tries to shake itself apart so hard the fillings will fall out of your teeth.

 

I'm thinking what you have would be death wobble if it wasn't kept in check by the steering stabilizer. Unbolt the stabilizer and take it for a spin....

 

Have somebody in the truck with both feet on the brake to keep the front wheels from rolling while turning the steering from left to right and back again, over and over while you are underneath the truck looking at everything that moves, including parts that shouldn't. My guess it you'll find a problem with the track bar bracket, either frame or axle end.

 

Also jack the truck up with the front wheels in the air and try to move the wheels to see if there is a problem with the unit bearing or ball joints.