1996 Explorer steering wheel shake

[combatvet1]

i have a 96 XLT 4x4. Bought it about a month ago. I noticed when I hit a bump my steering wheel shakes until I slow down. What could be the cause? Truck sat fo a year or so before I bought it.

 

[Doug_13K]

Is it only when you hit a bump? Or is it all the time?

I'd probably look over your front end, check your connections. Wheel bearings, ball joints, tie rods.. Anything really. Last thing you want is something to fall apart while your driving lol

 

[Rockwood]

i have a 96 XLT 4x4. Bought it about a month ago. I noticed when I hit a bump my steering wheel shakes until I slow down. What could be the cause? Truck sat fo a year or so before I bought it.

If you have recently had the front end jacked up and turned the steering with the engine not running, air in the system is the cause, just keep working the steering wheel with the engine running to purge the air. If that's not it, as stated above, loose front end parts, mainly inner and outer tie rods, or a bad tire can be the culprit

 

[Brennan99sport]

are your tires balanced well? if not that could be your cause. but like doug and rockwood said check tie-rod ends and ball joints.

 

[Electrohacker01]

it's likely a misalignment in the camber. mine's doing it slightly right now as well. but yes check for loose joints etc as this will amplify the problem. this is known as "death wobble"