KRB

I’ve tried a search but to no avail. My tires are new, just replaced the drag link, rotors were turned a couple years ago. Steering box is tight, no frame cracks. Everything else seems tight but something obviously isn’t. Truck has about 175K with no hard service.

The truck shakes back and forth when braking - sometimes. Can be made to go away if steered left or right. Can't feel it in the brake pedal, only the steering wheel. The times it doesn't shimmy it stops normal with out any pulsing or shaking. Never happens when just driving normal, only under braking and only sometimes but especially when going downhill…

My first thought was warped rotors but I’d feel that in the pedal wouldn’t I? From reading various posts (which don’t address my issues specifically) I’m thinking tie rod ends? Spring shackles? Kingpins? Anybody experienced this before?

Thanks,

maybe368

Search "death wobble". I fixed mine with new king pins, bushings and front u-joints. My kingpins were shot...Mark

MARF75

Calipers? ?

texsasdiesel

x2, i'm putting money on king pins and front spring bushings...my 92 needed both and then when i dropped the front spring on the DS front, the shackle spring hole itself was wallered out from the PO not taking care of it when he had it.

James

KRB

I'm familiar with the infamous Death Wobble but always thought that occured at a certain speed or while cruising, not while braking?

Funny you should mention calipers. I was going to post another thread on brakes as the last two times I've worn out the inboard disc WAY before the outbord pad even though I've got everything greased up good with anti-sieze.

maybe368

My death wobble was EXCLUSIVELY when I was braking. I think anything that changes the geometry of the suspension can cause it.That said, it does sound like your caliper pistons are seized..Mark

GIT-R-DONE

Go check your frame area out at the Power steering pump. Make sure the the frame isnt cracked in that area. That was a common problem with these trucks.

If I had to guess, it has something to do with your brake system. Mine is just starting to do it too. Only under braking conditions. I am going to replace both rotors and brake calipers with brake pads and go from there.

maybe368

A bad braking system would not cause a shimmy in an intact suspension system, it would just stop badly, IMO. The brakes could just be the trigger, but there are worn parts in the suspension. It is very easy to check the king pins, see here ...Mark

KRB

Well the calipers wer replaced only a couple years ago (3-4?) with OEMs, but I guess they could still be sticking...

What does the spring on the king pin do exactly? I noticed when I was replacing the drag link (which did have play) that I could move the hub up & down vertically on the king pin axis.

Great Dana link BTW, thanks.

GIT-R-DONE

I also wonder about the 'pot' joint, if it is about worn out ? Could there be enough play in the joint to let the steering/suspension just enough play to give you these symptoms?

maybe368

That spring is what puts squeeze on the bushing. It is the "loading" on the whole system. Do the front wheels turn easily? if so the calipers are probably not seized. You should not have any easy movement in the king pins. Probably shot bushings....Mark

maybe368

Here is a write up from when I did mine...Mark

KRB

Was already looking at that one! Thanks.

Tires turn freely.

Pot joint been replaced with a Borgeson.

Will re-examine the steering box/frame but looked fine earlier.