2 alingment questions plus fifth wheel

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Keepforgettingmypassword, Oct 12, 2022.

  1. Keepforgettingmypassword

    Keepforgettingmypassword Heavy Load Member

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    1) When I let go of the steering wheel it pulls to the right. Not hard but not suttle. The right steer tire is 3lbs lower than the left. I'm going to add the air and if this does not fix it. I'm going to rotate the steer tires. I have the little bead balancers in the steer tires. And have so for almost a year now.

    I'm wondering if it's the beads is doing it. Maybe they didn't seat right. Or should I look for something deeper?

    2) Shocks. I currently have Gabriel brand-Alliance model shocks. I bought them brand new 112,000 miles ago. Since I had put them on I have kept them but honestly don't like how they ride. I'm getting ready to call and order new shocks.

    What shocks do you run and what's the average life span? And I just book a appointment for a 6 wheel alignment should I change the shocks first?

    3) The fifth wheel is visibly lower on the driver side than the other side. Could this be shock related?
     
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  3. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    The general rule of thumb is don’t change anything before an alignment. Go in and let them see your tire wear, etc. Then go from there. You could have a lot of stuff going on depending on the mileage of the truck.

    Your shocks are probably worn at that mileage, especially if there is visible oil leaking. Bushings on your drive axle suspension could be worn out.
     
  4. GYPSY65

    GYPSY65 Road Train Member

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    Shocks should be warm to hot to touch after driving
    If cold. They’re bad
     
  5. Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    General rule is about 100-125k for shocks. And the 3psi difference won't make a difference
     
  6. race27

    race27 Bobtail Member

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    pulling is usually a caster issue so a simple front end alignment will solve that. front end alignment includes caster,camber and toe adjustments
     
  7. jaffles

    jaffles Light Load Member

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    Shocks don't have anything to do with ride height, that is a spring or air bag issue.
     
  8. Siinman

    Siinman Road Train Member

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    If you are around Kansas City MO go to Chad at Alignment Solutions. He will tell you everything that is wrong with your truck on alignment issues. And do not change anything before doing an alignment.
     
  9. Keepforgettingmypassword

    Keepforgettingmypassword Heavy Load Member

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    Thank you every one. I have read all of the response's carefully to remember what gave me. My appointment is Thursday. But do to a load canceling and another popping up I'm gona try to get in sooner.

    I will update when I do.
     
  10. Keepforgettingmypassword

    Keepforgettingmypassword Heavy Load Member

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    It didnt help. On my way to frieghtliner, 16663497230451985647351391591283.jpg 16663497582824187176064413634154.jpg 16663498031471195174406930401891.jpg
     
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