Front End Vibration

1979, I had a similar problem, on a recently purchased 1977 F'liner, couldn't find the problem, then one night, steering wheel started shaking worse than usual so I pulled over checked everything I could think of, again, and once again, missed it. Resumed trip toward home, and about 25 mi. later, driver side steer tire, wheel, hub, etc. parted company with the rest of the truck.
Previous owner and his mechanic did a complete brake job on the truck, before selling it to me; SOMEONE forgot to bend the locking tab over on the axle nut after brake job. (remember, 1977= before hub piloted drums).
Although I had jacked up the steer axle looking for steering component defect, in all honesty, I did not even think of checking the wheel bearings, as I saw the truck in the shop stripped down to the axle during brake job. Assuming it was reassembled correctly caused me to have a wild ride that night.

Good Luck

 

Could be the king pin, but I have to agree with Droy as it sounds more like a wheel bearing problem. I would jack it up and with a bar, put some pressure on the wheel and see if it wobbles. If it does Im sure its the wheel bearing and or nut. Im thinkin I wouldnt drive it until its looked at and repaired. I would have to say its out of service driver

 

I have been having a similar problem with my 07 Century. I told road service about it and was ignored. Originally I thought it was out of balance, today while doing my pretrip (took a little more time since I am waiting for this load to arrive) I noticed quite a bit of additional wear on my left steer tire. Taking it down to the Petro where we have a national account to have it checked out better.

 

Ok, now you got me concerned about mine.

I had the kingpins done less than a year ago... new steers... the works. Lately though, I've felt the steering wheel shake a couple of times on gentle curves. Checked the steering linkage, etc... all good.

I guess it's time to jack it up and check the wheel bearings.

 

check for wear on your wheel centering tabs on the hub..it's not a common problem, but they do wear, especially if they been futzed around with alot.

 

check the steering arm on the steering box it may be slack

 

My dad had the same thing on his classic. Check the drag link and tie rod end. Next time you open the hood just reach in there and yank on it, if it moves to easy its shot!

 

dose it have LMS hub type with crush sleve seen several of these get loose cause similar problem mostly vibrations in a curve with wheel shaking also check for slack in rear wheel bearings