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Old 10-04-2020, 07:42 PM   #1
Denali
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Default Extreme front end wobble

What causes extreme front end wobble when the brakes are applied?

Mark in Fairbanks Alaska
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Old 10-04-2020, 07:50 PM   #2
Joop
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Default Re: Extreme front end wobble

Read the Front Wheel Wobble post from JLpete98 a little farther below
Full of good info on your problem.
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Old 10-04-2020, 07:52 PM   #3
Harpkatt
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Default Re: Extreme front end wobble

Many things could be the cause I would bet kingpin bushings.
But Could be loose lugs, loose drums, misaligned wheels, Loose Spring.
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Old 10-04-2020, 08:46 PM   #4
1930-Pickup
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Default Re: Extreme front end wobble

Quote:
Originally Posted by Harpkatt View Post
Many things could be the cause I would bet kingpin bushings.
But Could be loose lugs, loose drums, misaligned wheels, Loose Spring.
Yes, I agree.
I had one a few years ago due to a worn steering box sector shaft bushing.
Once I fixed that, all was well.
Now the 'Death Wobble" (as its known) has returned.
No matter though, I'm was planning a complete front end rebuild soon anyway.
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Old 10-05-2020, 08:47 AM   #5
Terry, NJ
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Default Re: Extreme front end wobble

This laughingly called "Death Wobble"! Once you've experienced it you will agree! There can be many causes, such as Wheel bearings, king pins, spring Perch bushings, control arm balls out of round, poor alignment, poorly adjusted brakes, and steering box issues. Start by jacking up the front end and shaking the wheels. If you find looseness, do whatever it takes to tighten it. Vertical looseness is king pins (bushings) horizontal shaking/looseness is wheel bearings or steering linkage. This must be observed while someone does the shaking. Ball Diameter on thermos is 1.000, allowable out of round is .980, or 1.000 minus .020. I tolerate 1" of play in the steering wheel, but specs call for zero. Terry
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Old 10-05-2020, 09:53 AM   #6
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: Extreme front end wobble

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Loose king pins never caused death wobble on any of mine . Improper toe in adjustment has always been the cause for mine !!! Toe in adjustment sgould be 1/16fh .
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Old 10-05-2020, 11:09 AM   #7
Purdy Swoft
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Default Re: Extreme front end wobble

Any other looseness in the front end will also contribute to shimmy after the shimmy begins .
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