Death Shudder

[Pollarican]

Hey guys I have a 1991 Explorer, stock tire size, and I am very worried about the way it was handling today. First off, I know one of my lower balljoints has a fair bit of play, and I have been neglecting to fix it, but I am not sure if this is affecting the following issue:

At a speed around 45, (either third or fourth gear, I don't believe it is a trans problem) I get a shudder and almost a binding noise, and the wheel pulls slightly to the right. I am almost positive this noise is coming from the driver side, however my bad Balljoint is on the passenger side. I went offroading today, and the truck handled everything fine. There seems to b e a tiny bit of play in my front axle on that side, but I have manual hubs in the free position and am not in 4x4. Any insight would be appreciated, I would get the jack out and start taking a closer look at the front but I am visiting a friend about 60 miles from home.

Thanks for the time guys.

 

[E-rock]

your truck is probably pulling to a side because you knocked it out of alignment offroading. it only takes 1 pot hole to take your alignment out. the shudder could be a ball joint, tie rod, un balanced drive shaft, bearings that are shot, it could be anything really. ive been through almost every part in my drive train and suspension trying to find my death wobble. good luck!

 

[Pollarican]

The funny thing is though, it only pulls when I hear this binding shudder. The steering is as straight as an arrow when the binding does not occur.

Additionally, I was having a squeak that sounded like a crappy bearing or something after returning from the trails last week. This squeak becomes more apparent when turning to the right at higher speeds. I replaced all my front bearings about a year ago, and usually stay out of deep mud. One questionable thing I did do today was climb about a 65 degree hill then descend back down it, which couldn't have helped any existing problems.

E-Rock, I appreciate the quick response. I've read a slew of threads about the so-called "death wobble" on this message board, and hopefully I can pinpoint my problem to be something that does not keep my car from returning home on its own four wheels.

 

[Pollarican]

Ok guys I'm starting to piece together some theories on my problem. I think this problem might be primarily caused by bad U- Joints, seeing as how I have a pretty loud klunk when shifting into reverse. I believe the symptoms somewhat match the problem, any insight?

I didn't initially state this info, but on the last leg of my return to my friend's residence I heard loud bang, then what sounded like a bit of binding, both of which ceased and did not return when I slowed the car to a stop and cautiously accelerated again to try and guess the problem/ get to at least my friends should the car become immobile.

 

[E-rock]

check the cv axles if it sounds like binding

 

[phisherman162]

Check your lug bolts

Check your lug bolts. I overtightened my lug nuts and pulled two of the bolts loose. Something to think about...

 

[wood1]

Sounds like what happened when my auto hubs were acting up. The driver's sde one would try to engage and make horrible noises, pulling to the left. Engage 4X4 when it happens next time to see if it stops. If it does I'd but your hub is the trouble.

I fixed my hubs, do a search...

 

[Pollarican]

I have the Manual Hubs and they have been great to me ever since I converted over to them.

I found out that my passenger side inner wheel bearing was toast, so I went and replaced that as well as the seal. Happily the shudder turned out to have a quick and easy fix. I am just suprised the thing held up for my 60 something mile trip home, I hit the bearing once to replace it with the rotor removed and it completely exploded apart.

 

[Coosfaba]

Glad that you found out it was a simple problem.
No death rattles!

I just found out that my gas gauge works today, after not ever working before. Saved me $200.