Crazy steering wobble/shake
Hello all, I have a 2002 Itasca Horizonn 39qd with a Freightliner XC chassis -- 3126e CAT. It's got 65K miles on it and has been recently serviced and well maintained... so just the other day...
Forum Discussion
I have owned the coach since 2009 and put over 40,000 miles on it.
It has NEVER done this before.
No weights at all on the tires - ever.
The front and rear tires look smooth and good - like they always have. And the coach runs fine down the road, I was just able to repeat the behavior two times at the same intersection, and the 3rd time I took it really slow and it was fine - no wobble.
It has NEVER done this before.
No weights at all on the tires - ever.
The front and rear tires look smooth and good - like they always have. And the coach runs fine down the road, I was just able to repeat the behavior two times at the same intersection, and the 3rd time I took it really slow and it was fine - no wobble.
FIRE UP wrote:
TDInewguy,
First off, lets start with some history. How long have you owned the coach? If for quite a while, has it EVER done what you're describing before this recent incident? If not, obviously something happened recently that would cause the erratic front end action. Most Diesel Pusher units don't have the "Death wobble" that even happens rarely on SOME gas units. That doesn't mean it's impossible for it to happen, it's just incredibly rare.
Now, I don't know how much weight is on, or was needed to balance your front tires but, is it possible you've lost some? Some folks really rely on what's called a steering stabilizer to keep things running stable up front. Our Jeeps used them but, I've never had any on any of our motor homes. But, some swear by them. Before I would go throwing gizmos on it, I'd definitely try seeing if all standard components are in good working order.
I'm assuming the establishments that you've taken the rig to know what they're doing in analyzing heavy duty front end problems?? So don't know exactly what to advise here other than check your tires for chunks missing, (which would have a severe effect on balance) check all the tie rod ends, castor, toe-in etc. I doubt seriously you've developed any issues with your steering box. I do have a question for you though, you say you're running super singles on the rear? And that they're 445s?
If so, I'd surely like to see a picture of those on your rig. I've seen many over the road trucks running the super singles and I think they were the 525 series or 500 series, not sure but, it sure looks cool over a set of standard dual wheels and tires we normally see.
Scott
