Steering vibration

[Jake1996D1]

It's driving me crazy that I cant figure it out. Usually writing it down and getting a couple of ideas I can figure it out. It started after the rebuild of front end/axles and new tire rim combo. I am thinking it's either the rims not being hub centric or something is possibly screwed up with the diff?

Here's the details
4:11's with all new bearings all torqued to spec
rovertracks axles and cv's
swivel pin preload set and new wheel bearings
MTR's on procomp rims
recently balanced and also got an alignment after 3-link installed
Pulled and checked outer pinion bearing and nothing looked unusual
I have had two drive shafts on it and have adjusted the pinion angle to both extremes and every where in the middle. Not sure it's drive shaft but also havent ruled that out.

It is noticable in the steering wheel from 35-55mph but and goes away above and below those speeds. Seems to happen often when accelerating up a hill but is also there when coasting then then seems to die off. No audible noises that I can hear but with tires and a stupid duty fan clutch it's pretty noisey. The vibration feels like it's rotational if that helps?

I guess my plan of action is
remove front shaft and see if it changes anything
Maybe try a set of tires and rover wheels to see if that does anything..
Also thought about putting truck on jackstands and see if I can replicate it with wheels off the ground.

Any other ideas? It's not a terrible vibration but it just drives me crazy when I cant pin point something.

Thanks

 

[fishEH]

Maybe the tires are again out of balance after wheeling last week?

 

[Jake1996D1]

Maybe the tires are again out of balance after wheeling last week?

It was the same before and after and all the weights are still there

 

[DennyDoler]

Did you check for mud on the inside of the wheels. Doesn't take much to give a crazy vibration

 

[robertf]

trackbar bushings?

 

[lunchbox]

A few things I've had that have caused similar issues:

Driveshaft. The rear angle can get steep enough to make the joint caps tap the flang. This makes it just loose enough to wobble only during torque changes, like accelerating at speed. Looks for marks on the flange.

Output bearing on t-case: it's more noticeable in the rear output because the angle is steep. But the front can get squirmy because of the extra weight of a good cv shaft. Put the car in numeral, no e-brake, and wiggle.

I have MTRs as well. I have one that has a heavy spot in it. I keep it in the rear. If it ends up in the front, I get the shimmys when turning at speeds above 60. I get my tires balanced at a shop that deals with semi trucks. Rotate them front to back and see if it changes

If its only or mostly under acceleration, I'd say it's not bushing, steering, or suspension related. Rolling on one shaft will help narrow down which end of the truck it's on. I'd focus on driveline and tires.

 

[Jake1996D1]

Did you check for mud on the inside of the wheels. Doesn't take much to give a crazy vibration

Nope rims were spotless and was still there.. I need to clean the truck off again though

trackbar bushings?

My bushings stay fresh

A few things I've had that have caused similar issues:

Driveshaft. The rear angle can get steep enough to make the joint caps tap the flang. This makes it just loose enough to wobble only during torque changes, like accelerating at speed. Looks for marks on the flange.

Output bearing on t-case: it's more noticeable in the rear output because the angle is steep. But the front can get squirmy because of the extra weight of a good cv shaft. Put the car in numeral, no e-brake, and wiggle.

I have MTRs as well. I have one that has a heavy spot in it. I keep it in the rear. If it ends up in the front, I get the shimmys when turning at speeds above 60. I get my tires balanced at a shop that deals with semi trucks. Rotate them front to back and see if it changes

If its only or mostly under acceleration, I'd say it's not bushing, steering, or suspension related. Rolling on one shaft will help narrow down which end of the truck it's on. I'd focus on driveline and tires.

Thanks I am going to check it all over again. I already replaced the front output bearing as well forgot to mention that. will look at rear. I think I may have been focusing too much up front I'll go over the rear again and check everything as well as rotate one tire to the back at a time and test. if no changed I'll remove front shaft. Thanks Chad

 

[Uki]

I have MTRs as well. I have one that has a heavy spot in it. I keep it in the rear. If it ends up in the front, I get the shimmys when turning at speeds above 60. I get my tires balanced at a shop that deals with semi trucks. Rotate them front to back and see if it changes

I think one of my trxus m/t has a heavy spot and does cause a bit of vibration over 65mph, has anyone tried those dyna beads L8 sells? From reading the manufacturers website it seems like it would alleviate the problem.

 

[Jake1996D1]

I think one of my trxus m/t has a heavy spot and does cause a bit of vibration over 65mph, has anyone tried those dyna beads L8 sells? From reading the manufacturers website it seems like it would alleviate the problem.

I have used them but if you get them I recommend using the bigger ones you have to unmount the tire to install. I got a free balance from NTB so I havent put dynabeads in the new tires yet. I may in the future.

 

[lunchbox]

I've used Equal. Didn't work for shit. Trxxus suck balls for balancing. What my shop does is use clamp weights on the lip of the rim and sticker weights right below them on the rim where a lot of weight is needed.

 

[Devildog01]

Just a thought but I had a similar shimmy.Last time I had the tires balanced they noticed a small bend in one of my wheels.Barely visible but enough to give a good vib.Put the spare on and vibration is gone.(the tire guy said the wheel got bent on the L8 Easter Expedition)

 

[Jake1996D1]

Just a thought but I had a similar shimmy.Last time I had the tires balanced they noticed a small bend in one of my wheels.Barely visible but enough to give a good vib.Put the spare on and vibration is gone.(the tire guy said the wheel got bent on the L8 Easter Expedition)

You would thing the shop that balanced them would have said something if it was bent. Honestly it's not going to bother me as long as nothing blows up while I am driving the truck. Like I said I just hate not being to pin point it...

All I did today was play with the welder though

 

[Devildog01]

I'll be buying stock in mig wire.

 

[Jake1996D1]

I'll be buying stock in mig wire.

Not a bad idea. Does your buddy have any cylinders he is looking to get rid of? I need to find a cheap place to get gas..

 

[Durt D1ver]

Call one of your local welding places, the york area is pretty industrial, so there's probably a few. Also, see if they'll swap out a co2 tank for C25 or 100% argon. Most will. Co2 tanks seem to be able to be had for cheaper on craigslist.

 

[Jake1996D1]

Call one of your local welding places, the york area is pretty industrial, so there's probably a few. Also, see if they'll swap out a co2 tank for C25 or 100% argon. Most will. Co2 tanks seem to be able to be had for cheaper on craigslist.

Thanks I saw a couple of places around here that looked good but havent had the chance to check them out yet. The pricey part is the tank for sure. Thanks for the top on exchanging.

 

[Jake1996D1]

So after checking the rear end I find the brake drum has some play in it and the t-case end ujoint has some play in it. My guess is one is causing the other. Going to drop the t-case end of the shaft just to make sure the nut is tight. If it is looks like I am doing a bearing in the rear of the t-case too.

 

[fishEH]

I think I'll be doing both of mine. Any idea if the front and rear take the same bearing?

 

[Jake1996D1]

I think I'll be doing both of mine. Any idea if the front and rear take the same bearing?

Yes it should be. Here's a good write up for the rear - http://forums.lr4x4.com/index.php?showtopic=6917

 

[Jake1996D1]

OK FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.... I am losin my fuckin mind

So before I left for a weekend trip I tightened up the rear output nut which actually seemed to be fairly loose. buttoned rear shaft back up and good to go.. Drive this weekend vibrations still there so I that didnt do the trick.

Then I get under my truck today to make everything was still where it should be after a buddy of mine ended up with a drive shaft in two pieces and the frount output seems to have play it in. Mind you I changed the bearing like 2 weeks ago... WTF!? Is it new T-case time? have not found shavings in the oil of case.. Fresh bearing, fresh oil, still has quite a bit of play in it. The shaft I have no is a donor shaft and has just as much play as the one I am sending back to TW to have replaced.

I am also going to try rotating the tires but it seems to be mostly under acceleration between 35-55. I can feel it sometimes while coasting but it goes away when in N.