Drifting Freightliner Columbia

Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Subzero1985, Sep 14, 2011.

  1. Subzero1985

    Subzero1985 Light Load Member

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    Feb 26, 2010
    Corinth, TX
    0
    I just bought a 2007 Freightliner Columbia about 3 weeks ago. Good truck runs very strong and I could not have found a better deal on it. The front end however seems to be drifting/sticking. I dont really know the best way to explain this but here goes... When driving down the highway if you ease to the left or right with the steering wheel it will stay that way. Going around a curve you can let go of the wheel and it will follow the curve around on its own. Loaded/Empty/and bobtail it still does it. I thought at first the fifth wheel my need to be greased and the entire truck may need a lube job so that is what I did today and it still does it. Does anyone know what this could be? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks
     
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  3. lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    Sorrento Maine
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    Get a 3 axle alignment. Make sure everything is tight. On a car its in the toe in, but its best to take to a shop and get them to take care of it. It will save you on tires. Basically one side is crowding the other.

    Want some real fun? Find a bridge where your tires make a humming noise. Going on will be no problem, comming off the steering will get a grip and launch you in a new direction. Kind of like going from ice to traction.
     
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  4. Subzero1985

    Subzero1985 Light Load Member

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    Feb 26, 2010
    Corinth, TX
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    Have already had a three axle alignment and they couldnt find anything else that was wrong. I told them exactly what was going on and everyone is telling me there is nothing wrong with it. That isnt true lol. Something isnt right...
     
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  5. QUALITYTRUCK

    QUALITYTRUCK Road Train Member

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    romulus,mi
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    have front end jacked up in air and check (1)king pin play(2)drag link and my guess (3)bad u joint on steering shaft.good luck.
     
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  6. Subzero1985

    Subzero1985 Light Load Member

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    Feb 26, 2010
    Corinth, TX
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    Will do thanks. Where would be the best place to take it and have it looked at? I know I dont want one of these ragged out TA or Petro truck stops to do it. Take it to Freightliner I guess?
     
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  7. Subzero1985

    Subzero1985 Light Load Member

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    Feb 26, 2010
    Corinth, TX
    0
    Well does anyone know of a good shop I can take my truck to? A mechanic that can be trusted? I know how often owner ops get ####ed because they have no mechanical knowledge and they tell you there is all kind of things wrong when really there isnt... :biggrin_25510:
     
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  8. ammankl

    ammankl Bobtail Member

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    Aug 24, 2012
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    Hi Sub what ended up solving that drifting/sticking problem on your 2007 Columbia?
    I am having the same problem now and your solution might end up being mine.

    Thank you.
     
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  9. leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

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    Mo Via Blackpool,Lancs.
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    If your alignment is also good, do as suggested.
    Jack up the front end with a decent jack and test the kingpin bushings, tie rod for binding up, etc.
    If the play is within spec, check the u joint on the steering shaft.
    After that, I would start looking at the steering box itself.

    Martin
     
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  10. Blind Driver

    Blind Driver Road Train Member

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    New Albany, IN
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    Could be dried our steering components or a bad steering gear.

    Truck needs to be jacked up then properly inspected.
     
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  11. critters

    critters <b>Late For Dinner</b>

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    traverse city,MI
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    look i into the gear box,it's known as memory steer.
     
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