Semi tractor vibration/shake

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Nicko182, Mar 19, 2025.

  1. Nicko182

    Nicko182 Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Mar 19, 2025
    0
    Hello. Have a 2013 Volvo Vnl daycab. 10 speed manual. Shorter wheelbase around 185”. Issue that has developed is that at say 45-65 mph mostly in 9 & 10 gear it has a pretty good shake to it. Seems to be worst when engine is in the 1200-1450 rpm. Has to be under a good load. Empty if you aren’t going up a good hill and lots of throttle it don’t seem to be noticeable. Once you get up to say 70 mph on interstate shake goes away or if get out of throttle it goes away. tires were getting pretty thin so replaced drives with new ones with balance beads in them. Jacked up truck and checked for bent rim. Visually and pushing pulling checked u joints. Still has the shake under power. I’m taking drive shafts down today to check the caps out of the truck. Also had installed a pto wet kit on the truck several weeks back. I have no idea if the vibration has been there before. I’m assuming it had. I took down the pto and checked to see if it was shimmed too tight. Seemed ok but added a couple shims for good measure. Still no difference. If u joints seem ok I’m really at a loss. Possibly fuel injectors? Had the cups resealed around 35,000 miles ago and truck starts and runs good it seems. Any help or ideas? Thanks
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Bean Jr.

    Bean Jr. Road Train Member

    5,468
    9,702
    Mar 30, 2014
    0
    Based on what you've written, I would look at injectors. I would also consider a new damper and add a balancer while at it.
     
  4. beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

    2,805
    22,863
    Jan 2, 2014
    Moose Jaw SK CAN
    0
    Check your ride height.
    A wrong ride height can cause an out of spec pinion angle or can just change your driveline balance by changing one u-joint angle.
     
  5. BlackjackCo

    BlackjackCo Light Load Member

    85
    338
    Mar 29, 2024
    0
    I've had the shake about 4 times over last few years, and every time it's been a tire, usually on the trailer. Granted mine is a four axle trailer and it's usually on the steerable tag axle. But always when loaded at around 45 mph. Visual inspection of tires and air pressures were normal.... After checking everything else we replaced the tires and shake went away. That's been on brand new steers with only 5000 miles, a passenger side tire on the tractors drop push axle, the tag axle I mentioned on trailer 2 time (one time each side)..... In all cases tread, air pressures, rims, etc all looked fine. But every time it's been a tire for me.
     
    Deezl Smoke and Bean Jr. Thank this.
  6. Deezl Smoke

    Deezl Smoke Medium Load Member

    458
    288
    Feb 12, 2011
    Hillsboro Oregon
    0
    And a super short wheel base exacerbates the issue.
     
    beastr123 Thanks this.
  7. Deezl Smoke

    Deezl Smoke Medium Load Member

    458
    288
    Feb 12, 2011
    Hillsboro Oregon
    0
    I am a fan of the balance beads, but also know that they can cause as many issues as they solve. I once installed them on a pair of tires that had no balance issues, thinking that it cant hurt, it would just be a preventative maintenance thing for tire wear. Wrong. Even with the proper weight of beads for tire size, because the tires were already "perfect"o_O, the beads had no where to scramble to. At 60 the truck developed that ol' out of balance tire shake......:eek::mad:
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.