AWD shimmy when turning L & R at low speed

[sidneyhop]

A little history:

I had my 'PERFECT' couldnt have been better if I ordered directly from the dealer 98 EB black and tan with tan interior, tow package, mint interior/exterior, low 98K miles, v6 sohc, etc totaled this past week by some guy not paying attention and slamming into the back of me. I was really bummed obviously. Everyone was fine, no injuries, except my EB which ended up being a total loss ( and his car too, but who cares ).

Anyway, so Ive been scouring the classifieds, craigslist etc, looking for a replacement and found a really awesome deal about two hours away from me. Its a 2000 Limited V8 AWD thats in really nice shape, drove really well, had all the options etc. and the price was right, so I bought it. The thing is that when I got home I noticed a shimmy / vibration coming through the steering wheel when I turn it left or right at low speeds, or not moving at all. Ive never owned an AWD before so not sure what to expect or if this is normal. It almost feels as if the power steering is assisting the turn but pulsating at the same time. Is this normal or do I have a potential problem??? Any thoughts would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[austin262]

i have a 96 AWD and something like this happened to me as well. it could be that you have a few air bubbles in the power steering or not enough fluid. it was like that for awhile for me then it was gone in a few weeks.

 

[sidneyhop]

i have a 96 AWD and something like this happened to me as well. it could be that you have a few air bubbles in the power steering or not enough fluid. it was like that for awhile for me then it was gone in a few weeks.

Think fluid res was full, but Ill double check on it tomorrow.

Do you know how to get rid of air bubbles if you have them?

 

[overboost]

Mine does the same thing, though the shuddering sensation comes through the whole vehicle. I'm almost sure it is the limited slip clutches chattering. I'm going to change the rear axle oil and add some limited slip additive. I have had 2 f-150's that did this too when turning a corner, limited slips chattering. Also, i'm not sure if these AWD transfercases need a limited slip additive also? Might be worth changing transfercase fluid as well. Just a thought.

 

[my pos mounty]

heres what happens...when you turn the wheel with the vehicle off you intriduce air into the system. I made a device out of an old resevoir cap that i can hook my vacuum pump to so i can draw the whole system into a vacuum and remove the air... but I can suggest that you ensure the fluid is full, start the engine hold the rpms up around 2500 and run the steering wheel back and forth from lock to lock 10 or so times and then shut the motor off for a minute or so to let the air come up to the resevoir and repeat until it diminishes. It may take some time as these have a cooler where air becomes trapped. good luck

tom

Stole this from a different thread. You should probably read the whole discussion in this thread
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260210

 

[my pos mounty]

Mine does the same thing, though the shuddering sensation comes through the whole vehicle. I'm almost sure it is the limited slip clutches chattering. I'm going to change the rear axle oil and add some limited slip additive. I have had 2 f-150's that did this too when turning a corner, limited slips chattering. Also, i'm not sure if these AWD transfercases need a limited slip additive also? Might be worth changing transfercase fluid as well. Just a thought.

Yes, your LSD runs synthetic fluid with a friction modifier. And it seems I need glasses at this late hour. LOL NO your transfer case does not use a modifier

 

[sidneyhop]

Stole this from a different thread. You should probably read the whole discussion in this thread
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260210

Great, thanks! Ill give it a read.

 

[sidneyhop]

ok, did the left / right with the wheel and it did the trick, no more shimmy! It most definitely was air in the steering system.

But heres another thing I discovered while doing it. When I turn the wheel all the way to the right it gives a growning sound just as its hitting its limit, but it doesnt happen when I turn it to the left. Is this the CV joint starting to bind up?

 

[my pos mounty]

Could be a tie-rod or ball joint needs some loving. Go give them a squirt or two of some grease if they have fittings on them. Might as well hit them all while your down there. Might have one of them going bad as well, or already gone. Does it drive ok going down the road and going over bumps at speed?

 

[sidneyhop]

Could be a tie-rod or ball joint needs some loving. Go give them a squirt or two of some grease if they have fittings on them. Might as well hit them all while your down there. Might have one of them going bad as well, or already gone. Does it drive ok going down the road and going over bumps at speed?

Yep, drives just fine. No creeking or growning going over bumps at low to moderate speeds. Just when turning hard right just before its limit.

I was reading another thread about someone haveing a similar issue, although mine isnt nearly as bad, thank st. nick for that one

Ill get under it tomorrow (dark already here) and give it some squirts with my trusty greese gun if the components have the fittings.