wobbly wheels

[Fusion]

I have noticed a couple of 4x4's kickin around and the front wheels are wobbling like crazy . Are they out of balance or whats the story ?

[Phoenix]

Usually stuffed wheel bearings is the caues of that, soon to be followed by the wheel departing the vehicle :eek:

[Fusion]

Forgot to mention that they have big tyres on too .... it that helps ;)

[JDNSW]

Wobbly wheels can have a variety of causes:- badly installed tyres, bent or cracked wheels, loose wheel nuts, wheels mounted with dirt or pebbles on the mating surface, loose wheel bearings, loose steering components, loose suspension components, out of balance, and probably a few other causes I haven't thought of. In all cases the effect is emphasised by oversize tyres.

Continuing to drive with them, especially on the front, is asking for trouble.

John

[Tank]

I have noticed a couple of 4x4's kickin around and the front wheels are wobbling like crazy . Are they out of balance or whats the story ?
You didn't mention if these 4WD's had been lifted a lot, if they have been raised over 50mm they may need camber and castor correction, I have seen a few radically lifted 4wds that looked uncontrollable with their wheels wobbling all over the place, Regards Frank.

[Fusion]

You didn't mention if these 4WD's had been lifted a lot, if they have been raised over 50mm they may need camber and castor correction, I have seen a few radically lifted 4wds that looked uncontrollable with their wheels wobbling all over the place, Regards Frank.

Howdy Frank, one of the 4x4's was lifted a huge amount(pootrol trayback) and it was at a certain speed that it wobbled like crazy.

[JDNSW]

Howdy Frank, one of the 4x4's was lifted a huge amount(pootrol trayback) and it was at a certain speed that it wobbled like crazy.

That effect sounds like wheel shimmy - an oscillation set up by the front wheels turning from side to side, with the restoring force being castor action. Usually from excessive castor due to suspension modifications such as lifting or oversize tyres (see any diagram of how castor action works and you will see why this has an effect) and/or inadequate damping or steering free play. It can be cured by adjusting castor, reducing steering offset and increasing damping. Often only the last one is easy, and all have other effects on steering.

Wobble is a different problem.

John