Posted by Dan on April 21, 03 at 19:08:27:
In Reply to: Re: 94 Vibration question posted by #1 Son on April 21, 03 at 18:40:08:
Thanks for your reply.
Yes, the rear end has been checked and, yes, both axles were replaced, hubs checked and all. In fact, we replaced the hubs, drums and axles at the same time. (Since they were 'original', I felt it justified.)
In addition, we've the Sub up in the air numerous times and run it (suspension unloaded) up to 70 mph with no significant vibrations or noises.
This plus the fact that the steering wheel shakes. One can remove their hands and watch the steering wheel wiggle, leaving me to think the shake is originating up front.
I'll throw one more point. I had the alignment set and verified at TWO other places on the same day as having new tires installed.
As of now, I do have some tire wear with about 20,000 on them. They are staring to show some irratic wear in patches. This morning I took them in for balance, rotation, alignent and suspension check. No tire changed balance by more than a half ounce.
Oh, I do have one more clue!
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I bought a set of Centratmatic www.centramatic.com wheel balancers. I have them on another truck of mine with 35" Mickey Thompson bias-ply Claws and they work wonderfully on that truck.
On the 94 Sub, the vibration gets WORSE when they are on the front. On the back, I believe they improved the ride slighly, albiet not in a dramatic manner.
The printed materials included with the Centramatic balancers state very clearly that worn suspension components can actually increase the vibration felt.
This also confirms there is a problem with my front suspension.
Yet even this morning, the tire dealers' alignment tech spent over an hour trying to find any sign play. Every ball joint, end link, idler arm is as tight as it can be. Oh, and the alignment is still spot on.
My feeling if that if I had loose components, bad bearings, etc, that these components would fail prematurely. This has not happened as I have tolerated this vibration for over one year and about 75,000 miles.
Yes, I haven't driven the Sub as much because I can't stand this vibration. I hope to solve the problem shortly as I'm fixin to get back into a high-travel mode again.
Thanks again for your prompt reply.
Dan
: : .... This truck has been worked hard with heavy loads and towing. I've wondered if there were any weaknesses in the frame that might need to be checked.....
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: Keying on the above paragraph, and the fact you did not mention the rear axle, I suggest that you check and see if you have a "bent" axle back there.
: Just a WILD guess!
: #1 Son
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