Forum Discussion

marbee39's avatar
marbee39
Explorer
May 02, 2013

Violent shaking front end

2003 Mandalay on Freightliner XC. Bought last year in great condition. Took out on 1st trip, hit a decent bump at 45 and whole front end shook like crazy. Light stab of the brakes straightened it out but scared the******out of me. I've read of this problem on the Ford chassis, but this is the Freightliner.

It doesn't have a steering stabilizer. Does have a sway bar. Any pointers? Just take to a shop for service? I have tools and a good friend who is a diesel/HE mech. We can do our own work, but don't have a lift.

Any ideas GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks!
Jim in AK
Class A
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    May 02, 2013
    King pins, Pitman arm, Tie rod ends, Drag link ends, in short, all the various knees and elbows and ankles and wrists in the steering department. Could be anywhere from around 100 bucks UP and I do mean UP to fix.
  • smlranger's avatar
    smlranger
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Don't start putting afer market gizmo's on it until you've had a competent chassis/alignment shop check all the components.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Agree with Donn.

    It could be quite a number of front end components-- could be major wear/out of spec in one or a little out on several.

    Our guessing won't do you much good. Take it to any truck front end shop and have them look at it.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    May 02, 2013
    It could be anything from tires to front end components. A good quality alignment shop should be able to check everything and tell you what is wrong. No matter what DO NOT drive it until you get it fixed correctly
  • pusherpilot's avatar
    pusherpilot
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Had the same problem with our 2000 Safari Zanzibar. It stopped when we installed a steer-safe on it. I'd suggest a steering stabilizer.
    Ron
  • Mandalay_Parr's avatar
    Mandalay_Parr
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    I would take it to a Freightliner shop. I have had good work by them.

    BTW, Mine has never had that problem.
  • peaches_cream's avatar
    peaches_cream
    Explorer
    May 02, 2013
    Turbo Diesel Dude wrote:
    Sounds like the king pins (if you have them) are worn from lack of lube.


    I agree but also a factor could be tierod ends worn and pitman arm worn. None of these require a lift to check. Jack front end up and put on stands. Should be able to check all of these easily.

About Motorhome Group

38,706 PostsLatest Activity: Dec 02, 2016