NEKAF M38A1
Occasionally when i hit a bump in the road with the front wheels, the front wheels start to oscilate in a sideways motion which also shakes the steering wheel. Disappears after I slow down. Everything seems tight underneath. Jeep cruises fine at all speeds otherwise.
Any ideas?
Steering wobble
Moderators: TomM, Moderator, wesk
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OKCM38CDN
The primary cause is the King pin bearings are probably loose. They may be worn out or just need adjustment. When set properly, the front wheels are rather stiff to move side to side. This stiffness is actually measured. Check the Maintenance manuals or other sources for the proceedure. One description I like is on Novak's website.
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/st ... repair.htm
It's probably time to check all the steerning linkages as well.
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/st ... repair.htm
It's probably time to check all the steerning linkages as well.
I had this exact death wobble for a couple years. I tightened almost everything up, bearings, rods, joints. Got new tires, needed them anyway. Got them professionally balanced. Stil the death wobble!
One day I was under the vehicle and felt the steering gear box was loose. I could not see or get to it unless I took off the fender, which I did. I found the bolts mangled and the nuts mushroomed, replaced them with lock washers and the death wobble was totally gone. I would call it one of the top... twenty happy events of my life, as my M38 became a total pleasure, my wife would ride in it again, or let the kids, and I never had to worry about shaking apart 50 miles from nowhere in a rainstorm. = )
GOOD LUCK and I hope you resolve this nightmare!
One day I was under the vehicle and felt the steering gear box was loose. I could not see or get to it unless I took off the fender, which I did. I found the bolts mangled and the nuts mushroomed, replaced them with lock washers and the death wobble was totally gone. I would call it one of the top... twenty happy events of my life, as my M38 became a total pleasure, my wife would ride in it again, or let the kids, and I never had to worry about shaking apart 50 miles from nowhere in a rainstorm. = )
GOOD LUCK and I hope you resolve this nightmare!
<div><font size="1">M38 1951
</font></div><div><font size="1"><span class="postbody">M100 trailer 1951</span></font></div><div><font size="1"><span class="postbody">GPW 1945</span></font></div><div><font size="1">LPCs 1980 to 2007
</font></div>
</font></div><div><font size="1"><span class="postbody">M100 trailer 1951</span></font></div><div><font size="1"><span class="postbody">GPW 1945</span></font></div><div><font size="1">LPCs 1980 to 2007
</font></div>
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RimfireJim
- Member
- Posts: 148
- Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2011 6:00 pm
- Location: Escondido, CA
Re: Steering wobble
I've experienced this years ago on a '53 Ford pickup with too much toe-in. The error didn't seem like much just looking at the numbers, but correcting it to the spec value completely eliminated the problem.Leo wrote:
Occasionally when i hit a bump in the road with the front wheels, the front wheels start to oscilate in a sideways motion which also shakes the steering wheel. Disappears after I slow down.
Jim M.
1952 M38 son-father project
Discovering more worn out parts, one assembly at a time
1952 M38 son-father project
Discovering more worn out parts, one assembly at a time
On the ground have someone rock the steering wheel side to side & check for wear on all steering components for movement related to security or wear.
Jack both front wheels off the floor & place vehicle on stands.
Grab the top & bottom of each wheel in turn & try to rock in & out top & bottom.
You will probably find movement....but what is this movement indicating?
Loose wheel bearings or king pin bearings.
How do establish which?
1. Have someone apply the brakes & if the movement is gone the wheel bearings are loose.
If ONLY part of the movement is gone or the movement is unaltered that remaining movement indicates:
2. the king pin bearings are worn or loose needing service.
While in the air you can again check for other component issues by rocking the wheels to the front & rear rather than top & bottom.
Any wear or slop is quite noticeable & needs correction.
Jack both front wheels off the floor & place vehicle on stands.
Grab the top & bottom of each wheel in turn & try to rock in & out top & bottom.
You will probably find movement....but what is this movement indicating?
Loose wheel bearings or king pin bearings.
How do establish which?
1. Have someone apply the brakes & if the movement is gone the wheel bearings are loose.
If ONLY part of the movement is gone or the movement is unaltered that remaining movement indicates:
2. the king pin bearings are worn or loose needing service.
While in the air you can again check for other component issues by rocking the wheels to the front & rear rather than top & bottom.
Any wear or slop is quite noticeable & needs correction.
John GIBBINS
ASE Master Medium/Heavy Truck & Auto Technician 2002 USA
Licensed Motor Mechanic NSW # MVIC 49593 Current
YOU CAN'T TROUBLESHOOT WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND
ASE Master Medium/Heavy Truck & Auto Technician 2002 USA
Licensed Motor Mechanic NSW # MVIC 49593 Current
YOU CAN'T TROUBLESHOOT WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND
Very helpful John, I'm going over to a friend tomorrow who has all the gear, and will test everything out.
Hope its not the King Pins, i have to import all the parts from the US since I'm in the UK and finding someone locally who knows jeeps is difficult. The nearest is in Kent a two hours drive away.
Hope its not the King Pins, i have to import all the parts from the US since I'm in the UK and finding someone locally who knows jeeps is difficult. The nearest is in Kent a two hours drive away.
