Truck fishtailing problem

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Buya, Aug 29, 2018.

  1. Buya

    Buya Bobtail Member

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    Ok maybe someone has had a similar situation and can help me out.. Here is what's going on.. my tractor almost jackknifed on me in the rain one day... I had a very slight lean on the passenger side and later noticed my passenger steer leaf spring was slightly bent... So I had that replaced and after I started to notice that my drives were swaying in a fishtail sense on turns going up and down hills and curves they also fishtail when I drive bobtail this is very scary in the rain on my last load I only felt safe driving at 40 mph because it got really bad!! when I make turns with a trailer hooked up I fishtail especially turning to the left and my tractor rear swings and slides to the right almost into a jackknife as if I'm on an icy road and its a dry road... So I took it to a shop and they said my rear rear alignment could be off due to thrust angle... so I had a full alignment done at crenshaw in richmond, va and the problem persisted... then I took it to another shop and they were certain it was an alignment and that it was done on an old system.. so I had them do a full alignment and replaced the driver side leaf spring in case still the problem persisted... I also replaced my cab shocks and bads to make sure.. Any ideas? I feel like my rears are totally separate from the tractor.. what else could it be I have spent thousands of dollars trying to figure this out and I don't feel safe in my truck at this point for myself and others.. please help thank you in advance ~Mel
     
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  3. justa_driver

    justa_driver Road Train Member

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    Rear end walking beam bushings wore out? Seems they would've noticed that when checking alignment?
     
  4. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    I’ve had that experience with new lug drive tires, they can be a little snakey until they set in a bit.
    Low tire pressure in the rear can cause it too.
    What kind of truck is it?
     
  5. Derailed

    Derailed Road Train Member

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    Is the fifth wheel greased? That can play tricks on you.
     
  6. Buya

    Buya Bobtail Member

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  7. Buya

    Buya Bobtail Member

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    I’ll grease and check tnx
     
  8. Buya

    Buya Bobtail Member

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    May be right i just put 8 new double coin drive tires steer tire new as well
     
  9. Buya

    Buya Bobtail Member

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    I have 2007 freightliner columbia resently they hit concret and replaced whole front axels and used steering box, leaf springs on driver side, and new kingpins, new tie rod , new drag link pretty much everything is new on steer axel and now i feels swaying and fishtailing its just so scary to drive out there
     
  10. justa_driver

    justa_driver Road Train Member

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    Could be your tires or a dry fifth wheel. If you have airbags on back, could be the adjustment on them? Some trucks just dont seem to hold the road as good as others? It used to scare me driving a Freightliner pulling a tanker after Id been driving a Peterbilt or International pulling that same trailer.
     
  11. Buya

    Buya Bobtail Member

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    Yes i have airbags on rear axle i just greased my fifth wheel i’ll check when i got unloaded. Scary thing is small turn my steering left or right my trailer tail is swaying very sensitive you know...
     
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