Front End Shudder

[megz]

Around 12 months my 110 developed a violent shudder at certain speeds, which turned out to be the panhard rod (seized bolt, bushes replaced).

The shudder has started up again, usually between 80 and 90 kph in 5th gear (doesn't seem to happen revving out in 4th). It feels like it is originates at the passenger side front wheel. If I slow down or brake suddenly it seems to fix it.

Any ideas what this could be? The shudder is violent enough to have to pull over. Could it be a wheel alignment? I'm getting a new set of tyres tomorrow so I'm hoping so.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Dave

[Phil B]

It could be the panhard rod bushes again. I found that anything other than OEM don't last.
I have heard that Superpro are also good but I have no personal experience with them.

Also check the wheel bearings and swivel pre load.

There are several posts on the subject. Just search "death wobbles"

Regards,

[Sly]

Remove some shims or change out the king pin bearings .......

[JDNSW]

It could be one of several possibilities, including the ones suggested.

Most likely a small amount of play in the steering or lack of damping at the swivel.

1. panhard rod - get someone to rock the steering back and forth while you check for movement of the axle assembly sideways relative to the chassis. Any movement here is an issue with either end of the panhard rod, or possibly the anchorage onto the chassis is loose. If there is no movement, this is not an issue.

2. Swivel preload. This needs to be checked according to the manual.

3. Tie rod ends. While the wheel is being rocked for #1, feel each tie rod end. Any free play will be immediately felt.

4. Wheel bearings. Jack up each front wheel - try to rock sideways and vertically. Should be no movement. If sideways, can also be tie rod ends, if vertical can be swivels, so check these first.

[86mud]

also check radius arm bushes. Fitting new genuine rubber bushes on the radius arms (both ends) to my 1998 130 recently transformed the ride.

[megz]

Thanks John, really appreciate the detailed message.

Dave

It could be one of several possibilities, including the ones suggested.

Most likely a small amount of play in the steering or lack of damping at the swivel.

1. panhard rod - get someone to rock the steering back and forth while you check for movement of the axle assembly sideways relative to the chassis. Any movement here is an issue with either end of the panhard rod, or possibly the anchorage onto the chassis is loose. If there is no movement, this is not an issue.

2. Swivel preload. This needs to be checked according to the manual.

3. Tie rod ends. While the wheel is being rocked for #1, feel each tie rod end. Any free play will be immediately felt.

4. Wheel bearings. Jack up each front wheel - try to rock sideways and vertically. Should be no movement. If sideways, can also be tie rod ends, if vertical can be swivels, so check these first.

[megz]

Good tip, thanks.

also check radius arm bushes. Fitting new genuine rubber bushes on the radius arms (both ends) to my 1998 130 recently transformed the ride.

[frogg]

When was the last time you changed your front toe setting?

When was the last time you:
1. Lifted the truck?
2. Changed the radius arms?

[megz]

Gday Frogg, thanks for asking these questions.

I've been a tinkerer for years and years but I've still got heaps to learn and questions like this get me researching and thinking.

- I haven't checked my toe setting but now I know what it is I'm going to check it.
- Lifted the truck? Do you mean has it got a lift kit? because no it's stock standard suspension.
- I haven't changed the radius arms in the 18 months I've owned the vehicle. Do you mean the bushes or the entire arm? How often/kms to replace when the vehicle is 90% on road?

Just had the vehicle come back from the shop to have some rear suspension work done and they reckon the pitman arm ball joint needs replacing (they didn't have a kit on hand). Reckon this could be the cause?

Dave

When was the last time you changed your front toe setting?

When was the last time you:
1. Lifted the truck?
2. Changed the radius arms?

[JDNSW]

Yes.