OT: Ford Truck

TMo · Nov 26, 2012

1993 Ford F-350 4x4 V-8. It shimmys at 65-70 mph. I think hub bearing is in need of repair. What is the level of difficulty? Should pitman arm and tie rods be repaired as well if there is some looseness to them too?

Thanks in advance to all the experts!

TYLER

DeltaRed · Nov 26, 2012

Not to be a smarta$$,but have you checked the balance of the front wheels/tires?A tire out of balance can cause what you are describeing.And that is the easiest and cheapest.Check this first.

Janicholson · Nov 26, 2012

All rod end looseness needs to be removed. gearbox backlash checked, suspension nushings and shock mounts checked. Wheel bearings are both a safety element, and control factor. I know how to physically manipulate these components toassure they are good. If we try to describe them in a few sentences, we will do a mediocre job. Safety and value are to be found in professional assistance. Take it in. Tires first, then suspension. Jim

TMo · Nov 26, 2012

Well, good point. Hibdon guy didn't think out of balance tire would cause what I am describing. I thought it could.

TMo · Nov 26, 2012

I jacked the front end up, grabbed the front tire and got play in it, so that made me think of hub bearings. I'm not driving it because of the safety issue you mention.
I don't know enough about the potiential issues, end up at the mechanic.....

tjdub · Nov 26, 2012

I'm 99% sure you just have to replace the bushings on the tracking bar for the front axle. I had the same exact problem on my 1991 F-350. It's actually a pretty easy job (except for getting the old bushings out of the bar). After a lot of messing around trying to drive them out, I ended up just burning them out with the torch.

Just make sure to get replacment bushings that come as two parts (e.g. MOOG brand) so you don't have to press the new ones into the bar.

ASEguy · Nov 27, 2012

It very well be tire related as DeltaRed posted, especially if the shimmy isn't there up to around 55 or 60, but then vibrates, then lessens or goes away altogether at 75 or so. That's a classic imbalance issue. If it's been getting worse, because of a defective tire, it may soon cause the truck to drift eventually leading to a pull resulting in a customer saying they need an alignment. If you have wheel bearing looseness, replace the bearing. Rotate the tires to isolate whether it's tire related. Front tire issues usually cause steering wheel shake; rear tire issues usually cause your seat to shake. Hope this helps. Gerard

Sprint 6 · Nov 27, 2012

Can you "steer" the truck out of the shimmy? This could be ball joint wear, especially since you say you have play with the wheel jacked up. You need to jack it up under the axle, put a pry bar under the tire, and pull up. If the entire knuckle moves, the ball joints are worn.

OT: Ford Truck

TMo

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DeltaRed

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Janicholson

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TMo

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TMo

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tjdub

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ASEguy

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Sprint 6

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