Front End Shake, Worse at Low Speeds

[iowa_hick]

I just bought a 2002 Eddie Bauer and haven't had much time to diagnose it yet, but it has a severe shake to the front end, starting at low speeds and getting less severe as you speed up. The shake is only there when you are moving and is very consistent and rhythmic.

My first thought was tire out of balance, but, if I'm not mistaken, that would be worse at high speeds. The consistency leads me to think it's not a tie rod, but I could be wrong. I'm wondering if it isn't a bad tire or possibly a rim problem.

Is there anything else that I should check that would fit these symptoms?

Thanks,
Jake

 

[domct203]

Welcome to the forum.

You should jack up the front end and check for play in your ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, etc.

How do the front tires look? Are they worn evenly? Any cupping?

 

[TechGuru]

Out of round tire. Have Discount Tire Co do a road force test on it.

Bad wheel bearing causing wheel to wobble.

 

[iowa_hick]

The tires looked fine, but I didn't have a chance to check them out too much. Hopefully the muffler shop is done with it tonight and I can get it home and see what I can find.

Thanks for the help!