terryt Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 I have a vibration over 45 mph I have replaced tires i have had the wheels balanced twice replaced sway bar links shocks all the brakes ball joints appear to be good and tight Tie rods are tight 1990 Comanche 4.0 2wd no modifications at all. Some people tell me to replace the steering stabilizer then when i look on line it says that would not cause a vibration. looking for recommendations please Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 where do you feel the vibration? in the steering wheel? your feet? your seat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZJeff Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 Steering stabilizers DO NOT remove vibrations. They merely reduce them. Pete M raises some good questions about/where the vibrations are felt. Based on the speed you stated, it sure sounds like a tire balance issue, but answering Pete’s questions will give some clues as to the source. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JYau Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 Did you check the trackbar? Also, the stock control arms are pretty flimsy too, not to mention that the bushings could very well be worn and squishy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 I agree that a detailed description of the vibration would help. Since you have had the tires balanced, that's likely not the issue. Things to check: 1. Ball joints. Get the tires off the ground and really move the tires around. Use a pry bar if you need to. 2. Steering components, specifically tierod ends. At the steering box, at the joint where the two sides meet, and out at the knuckles. Check that the nuts are tight and there is no excessive play in the joints. 3. Bushings. All 4 control arms and the track bar. Check bolts are torqued to spec and that bushings aren't worn. 4. Steering stabilizer. It doesn't hurt to have a fresh one if it's worn, but it won't cause or solve vibration by itself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryt Posted March 12 Author Share Posted March 12 i have had it balanced 2 times and even the rear view mirror shakes a little i definitely feel it in the steering wheel again new tires ball joints seem tight Alignment shop says tie rods are good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryt Posted March 12 Author Share Posted March 12 i will double check the suspension again i have to be missing something will keep this thread posted Thank you everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad R Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 Just for kicks move the tires front to back to see if the shake moves Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GonzoTheGreat Posted March 13 Share Posted March 13 Check the track bar. Any play in the joint, the bushing, or the axle-side mounting hole will cause shimmies and wobbles. Remove an end and give it a thorough inspection. You won’t always see play in the ends if it’s still in the vehicle and under load. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZJeff Posted March 13 Share Posted March 13 One of the best ways to check for steering system looseness is to have a helper sit in the vehicle with the engine off and rock the unlocked steering wheel side to side until they feel the force to turn the wheel get high. This essentially takes all the lash out of the steering system. while the guy in the cab is doing that activity, you climb underneath and check each joint one at a time. The way you check the joint is both visual and by feel. the “by feel” part involves grasping the individual joint by hand, trying to encircle both halves of that steering linkage connection with your hand and fingers. You are attempting to feel for any relative play between the two parts of that particular steering linkage connection. this test only works on the steering linkage and on the track bar connections. The test for control arm looseness is only really feasible with a BRIGHT flashlight and visual inspection, looking for cracks in the rubber and/or permanent rubber deformation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryt Posted March 13 Author Share Posted March 13 Thank you my wife is going to be the "helper" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZJeff Posted March 13 Share Posted March 13 6 hours ago, terryt said: Thank you my wife is going to be the "helper" That’s who I use. (My wife, not yours.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryt Posted March 14 Author Share Posted March 14 well it brought to light a couple things is it possible that the arm coming off the steering box could be worn? its a solid piece and i can't see how it would wear out also there is a little play in the arms that connect to the tie rods but definitely not much find it hard to believe that little play can cause a vibration? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZJeff Posted March 14 Share Posted March 14 4 hours ago, terryt said: well it brought to light a couple things is it possible that the arm coming off the steering box could be worn? its a solid piece and i can't see how it would wear out also there is a little play in the arms that connect to the tie rods but definitely not much find it hard to believe that little play can cause a vibration? Any play in the steering linkage is unacceptable. The parts affected should be replaced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghetdjc320 Posted March 15 Share Posted March 15 Is your truck lifted? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryt Posted March 15 Author Share Posted March 15 it is not! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryt Posted March 15 Author Share Posted March 15 nothing is worn excessively but when it hits 45 it vibrates i have had the wheels balanced twice new tires shocks brakes it steers great no play in the wheel i definitely feel it in the wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PIKE Posted March 15 Share Posted March 15 I would guess U joints. You have 2 of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted March 15 Share Posted March 15 2 hours ago, terryt said: nothing is worn excessively but when it hits 45 it vibrates i have had the wheels balanced twice new tires shocks brakes it steers great no play in the wheel i definitely feel it in the wheel Something is worn more than you think it is. There should be zero play in all 4 steering joints. None. If there is any at all, it's enough to induce vibration. Same with ball joints. Any play leads to vibration. Even play that's hard to see. Same with control arm and track bar bushings. Worn bushings can contribute to vibration. Could be all of it together. Each part by itself may not be bad but all together, there's enough slop to cause issues. If you haven't changed parts in 20 years, they're probably overdue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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