Vibration feels like tire weight

[Lar_s]

After about 2000 miles on this trip I'm running down the road at about 67 or so, and suddenly there is a vibration that feels like I threw a tire weight in the front. At first I thought it was just the highway, but after many miles of different road conditions it is still there. It happens between 67 and 70 or a little higher. I checked the wheels for shiny spots where weights might have been... nothing missing.

I checked Ram web sites and found quite a few articles from other Ram owners... of course, lots of parts replaced, no resolution.

My question: Has anyone had the same experience?

If you've had a similar experience... how did you fix the problem?

I will get it out on the highway tomorrow without the fiver and see if it does the same without my 17,000 or so lbs. of enjoyment dragging behind.

2015 Ram, dually. 4x4

[Grit_dog]

Lar's wrote:
Followup: It turned out to be tire seperation, not the RF that I spent an hour changing, but the left front. It was so well conceiled and so general of a bounce that I couldn't pick out the problem... my bad. I've never had a tire seperate. So, changed out all tires as I was concerned that if one went, the Nexen's might all go... probably another mistake on my part, but done nonetheless.

Called it. Glad it was an easy fix. Those tires are junk.

[Lar_s]

Was going with Michelin's because of the FMCA program on tires, but after much talk with the owner of Firebird Tire in Phoenix I put Firestone's on. Don't know but Bridgestone and Firestone seem to be right up there with some of the Japanese makes which also have good reputations.

[rhagfo]

Lar's wrote:
Followup: It turned out to be tire seperation, not the RF that I spent an hour changing, but the left front. It was so well conceiled and so general of a bounce that I couldn't pick out the problem... my bad. I've never had a tire seperate. So, changed out all tires as I was concerned that if one went, the Nexen's might all go... probably another mistake on my part, but done nonetheless.

Glad it was a simple fix, what did you replace the Nexen’s with?

[Lar_s]

Followup: It turned out to be tire seperation, not the RF that I spent an hour changing, but the left front. It was so well conceiled and so general of a bounce that I couldn't pick out the problem... my bad. I've never had a tire seperate. So, changed out all tires as I was concerned that if one went, the Nexen's might all go... probably another mistake on my part, but done nonetheless.

[Lar_s]

Oh were a fix that easy.

Thx for the info

[Edd505]

I had an F250 with front vibration, tire shop tightened wheel bearings, vibration gone.

[Wild_Card]

Lar's wrote:
OK, so I have the same vibration even after putting the spare on the front. Now Ram service "thinks" its one of the tires, or more. Tire dealers say I've about fulfilled the life of those Nexen's at 27K.

Thinking of just biting the bullet and switching to Michelins. Any suggestions on tires?

You done good. My Nexxens blew belts in 3 tires in 1 trip with 20k.

Toyo or Nito tires.

Michelins are not as good as they once were.

[Lar_s]

OK, so I have the same vibration even after putting the spare on the front. Now Ram service "thinks" its one of the tires, or more. Tire dealers say I've about fulfilled the life of those Nexen's at 27K.

Thinking of just biting the bullet and switching to Michelins. Any suggestions on tires?

[Lar_s]

Well, after going through all the trouble of putting the spare on just in case the RF tire wanted to blow, the vibration is still there.... felt like 170 pages of miles to my current destination. I'll be in touch with dealership tomorrow to see what they have for recommendations.

Thx for all your help

[FishOnOne]

Common problem....

There's a 170 page thread at the cumminsforum on this topic. You may want to spend some time reading as some solutions have been posted.

Good luck....

Highway Vibration

[Lar_s]

I do run 80 front and 65 rear. I'll admit I run 55 or so when unloaded so should consider dropping that a bit. With my 40 gal of fuel, 5er hitch, plus a tool box in the rear I haul a little more, but nothing much compared with empty.

I'll look for the expert.

Thx

[Me_Again]

The RAM toe in spec is to much and leads to early tire wear. Maybe Cummins12V98 will be along to post what works or PM him.

On Edit: He recommends 1/32" toe in verse the factory 1/4". Claims tire wear ends. He also recommends front inflation for dually should always be 80 PSI. Rears loaded 65 and 35 when running empty.

Note: a LT235/80R17 at 35 PSI is rated to 1570 pounds, then times 4 equals 6280 capacity for the dually rear axle. Or almost twice the actual unloaded weight of the truck rear axle without a load.

Chris

[Lar_s]

Yes. It's been greased. Is tough to find though.

Thx

[Wild_Card]

Camper G wrote:
There is a u joint that has a grease fitting Thad you have to use a needle valve on your grease gun to grease. On the driveshaft. It's a bit difficult to find but it's there. Has that ever been greased?

You are correct but the front diff has an axel disconect. These new trucks driveshafts do not spin. Not sure what years ohased in but my 15 dually has it. And no the front shaft doe not spin. Look at front axel on pass side and you will see the disconect.