Re: Looking for Vehicle Advice

["E DAWSON" <raymond@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"JoeRaisin" <joeraisin2001@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:m9g7d2$bv4$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> My work van does something odd.
>
> 80% of the time, the van rolls straight and smooth but every now and then
> it feels like the front tires are wobbling.  This is to varying degrees -
> sometimes it feels like a little shimmy and sometimes it feels like they
> are about to fall off.  This happens randomly on all manner of road
> conditions but seems to be limited to higher speeds (40+) and more often
> than not during acceleration.
>
> The shop did an alignment and the tires have been balanced.  They have
> looked at the front end and said there is nothing wrong - last time I was
> told it was the tires picking up snow and ice but it happens in all four
> seasons.
>
> It happens on straightaways and on curves of either direction.  Slowing
> down will stop it but it will also stop of its own accord after a few
> seconds.  I don't think it has ever lasted more than 15-20 seconds - the
> shimmy version if it, at any rate.  The more pronounce version ends
> quickly because I will take my foot off the gas and reducing speed will
> usually end it.
>
> Any ideas?

Hi,

If your front end wheel ball-joints, tie-rod ends, bearings, and any other
parts have been thoroughly checked out to be tight including struts, and you
still have the random problem; the only logical conclusion left is that your
actual steering rack may be the culprit. Some vehicles also have a 'damper'
shock absorber for the steering, next to the rack. I once had a Toyota that
had a horizontal steering shock that went bad that was causing a similar
problem. Depending on the age of your vehicle, both may be in need of tender
loving care.

I have always depended on older knowledgeable parts guys who have been in
the industry for a while to help me diagnose various problems over the
years. They get to see and hear much more problems and solutions across a
large spectrum of the industry and across many brands. They're also much
cheaper than mechanics. I have never gone to mechanics except for
transmission rebuilts. Well, I take that back. If I talk to mechanics, on
rare occasions, I ask them to give me a written estimate of what they will
do to my vehicle. Then, I may go to a second mechanic if I doubt somewhat
his opinion. I have always done my own work.

Hope this helps you.