Death Wobbles

[tsha2431]

Hi Guys,
Long time follower, first time posting.

I have a 1988 ex-army 110 and I am getting like a wobble/vibration through the steering wheel/front end. It doesn't happen at any particular just comes and goes randomly, but seems to be worse and more frequent at higher speeds. When it starts I just brake a little and/or turn the steering a little bit and usually stops. Any ideas what it might be? My front dampener is pretty shot which I am going to replace but I don't think its the problem... I was thinking maybe could be my steering box? It's dropping a little bit of oil. My other problem is I am supposed to be going to the cape today, last minute maintenance!! hmmmm....

[Phil B]

I would check your ball joints first and possibly rotate tyres as it may be a suspect tyre.
Phil

[smcg631]

First thing I would be getting your wheels balanced. Only takes a few minutes at a tyre shop and only cost you between 20 and 40 bucks to get all four done.

[Duarte19]

check panhard rod bushes, front radius arm bushes and check swivel preload

but first get a wheel balance

[isuzutoo-eh]

Further from the previous suggestions, check the pitman arm is tight on the steering box, ensure the wheel bearings are good, and ensure there is no slop in the upper and lower swivel bearings-the top is a steel pin in a fibrous bush-the bush wears and can collapse.
Finally, ensure all the rubber bushes including track rod ends are free from slop.
Usually lying under the car whilst someone rocks it side to side and back and forth allows you to see where the movement is in bushes/suspension, whilst having the second person rock the steering wheel should show where any steering slop is.

[tsha2431]

Okay I am going to head off now and get the tires balanced. How do I check the ball joints? There is no pitting on the ball or leaking from them. Just wondering tho if it was tires, would it not usually happen constantly and at certain speeds? Where as my problem comes and goes. I'll get them done anyways.. can't hurt.

[JDNSW]

This has been dealt with a number of times on this forum, and a search should find it. But briefly,

There are a number of possible causes, and the wobbles may be caused by a combination of these - fix one, and it goes away for a while, until one of the other factors gets worse!

The most common contributors are out of balance wheels and free play anywhere in the steering, and loss of preload in the swivels (which provides some damping).

Simple checks -

Try to rock the front wheels by heaving sideways back and forth on the top of the wheel - a click means there is free play either in the swivel bearing/bush or the wheel bearing.

Have someone rock steering back and forth - watch carefully for any movement between the axle and the body - this indicates free play on the panhard rod bushes. Continuing with the rocking, feel each tie rod end - on the pitman arm, the swivel housing end of the drag link, and both ends of the track rod. Any play should be able to be felt. While at it, look at the attachment of the pitman arm to its shaft on the steering box, and for any signs of the box itself being loose on the chassis.

John

[tsha2431]

Ok thanks all. I couldn't find anywhere with intermittent vibration, most stuff was centred around worn UJ's and out of phase prop shafts. Thanks for the advice; wheel balance didn't change a thing soo.. will try all the tests above and let you know how I go.