Front-end side to side wobbles

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Motown Trucker, Mar 2, 2019.

  1. Motown Trucker

    Motown Trucker Bobtail Member

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    Mar 2, 2019
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    Hey guys,

    I have a 2012 Freightliner Cascadia with a front end vibration (wobble) whenever I reach 45-50 MPH. The truck has 400,000 miles and this issue has been going on for about 3-4 months now. The following is what possible issues caused the wobble but after repairing, unsuccessfully did not fix the problem:

    -The Kin Pins checked out fine
    -The springs, bushings, hangers, etc all checked out fine.
    -The front end shocks checked out fine
    -Checked both drums, found one cracked. Replaced both drums and brake linings, but did not correct the problem
    -Checked both steer tires, found 1 steer tire out of round, therefore I also replaced both rims and both steer tires and had them balanced out. Again didn't solve the problem
    -Checked the oil in the steer axle hubs, but I didn't find any shavings, so I'm assuming the wheel bearings should be fine

    I've visited about 4-5 shops thus far, and nobody has been able to find out what's causing this problem. I've spent lots of money as well. If anybody has any ideas/suggestions that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and I hope I can help other people with the same problem too.
     
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  3. fss99701

    fss99701 Medium Load Member

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    Feb 14, 2019
    none of your business
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    A company I used to work for had a Freightliner I think it was a 2013 that they spent tons of money on trying to figure out the problem. at 45 it would feel like the front end was coming apart. They spent tons of money on trying to figure out what it was people would say it was everything from the driveline to the King pins.
    It's still sitting there looks brand new they use it as a punishment truck.
    I hope you have better luck figuring out what the problem is.
     
    KB3MMX and x1Heavy Thank this.
  4. Broke Down 69

    Broke Down 69 Road Train Member

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    So before throwing all those parts at it, did anyone think to put it on an alignment rack?
     
  5. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Or too much play in the wheel bearings. And you say the shocks checked out fine. Ok. Checked out how. When were they last replaced?.
     
    KB3MMX and x1Heavy Thank this.
  6. Motown Trucker

    Motown Trucker Bobtail Member

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    Mar 2, 2019
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    Yes, it was aligned and there is no wear on the steer tires. Even the previous tires I had, there was no wear on the tires and all 3 axles were aligned
     
  7. Motown Trucker

    Motown Trucker Bobtail Member

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    Mar 2, 2019
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    The shocks were replaced about a year ago and no
     
  8. Motown Trucker

    Motown Trucker Bobtail Member

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    Mar 2, 2019
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    Sorry I didnt finish.
    But there was no leaks noticed on the shocks, and I replaced them about a year ago. But my next step was to replace the inner and outer bearings on the passenger side since the cracked drum was also on the passenger side
     
  9. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    White County, Arkansas
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    I know a shop in Baltimore downtown (Peters) that would probably take a crack at it. Might take a day or two but if there is a problem they will find it.
     
    fss99701 Thanks this.
  10. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Check motor mounts and carrier bearing, along with rest of driveline. Also jack up and spin each new tire/wheel against a straight edge for out of round tire or wheel. Spin slowly till it stops, check if it always stops in same position. If so wheel(s) need rebalanced. Heaviest part will always be in 6oclock position. Get 2 Nd opinions on front end.
     
    fss99701 Thanks this.
  11. Motown Trucker

    Motown Trucker Bobtail Member

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    Mar 2, 2019
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    Hello, I already checked the driveshaft alignment, center bearing for play and even the universal joint. The shop said everything was fine with the driveshaft and it had no issues. I also checked the self leveling valve and again everything checked out fine as far as height was concerned.

    My next step was planning to change the inner and outer the wheel bearings on the steer axle. If that doesn't correct anything. Then I will be rebalancing the 2 steer tires again for out of round. Thanks for the help and I will update the forum to see if it helped at all.
     
    fss99701 Thanks this.
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