Hard steering shake when hitting bumps

[ylecoyote]

First I should say hello and thanks for welcoming me to your site. I just bought a 02 explorer with broken timing chains. I replaced the chains (lucky me I puled the heads and no bent valves) and reinstalled the engine it runs great. However when I drive it and hit bumps ( large pot holes) the steering wheel shakes very bad. I checked the suspension and replaced the left inner and outer tie rods but thats all that was loose. I know the shifter has play and I will have to replace the linkage. Has anyone had this problem and could it be from the steering column itself.

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome ylecoyote

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Balance the tires & get an alignment.

 

[ylecoyote]

There is no vibration while driving at any speed on the highway. I only have the shake when I hit bumps. Oh and thanks for welcoming here.

 

[1Aauto]

welcome to the site

 

[mitsu_guy]

i have this same concern, everythings fine uppers,lowers all bushings.... could it be the front shocks??? mines a 01 sport 2d

 

[amigodana]

I have the same problem. I found that I have a little play in my steering gear box.

 

[Clsrt8]

I have a 2002 sport trac and have the same problem. Everything is fine until I hit a bump, then it shakes like crazy. Was thinking of installing a steering stabilizer (damper). I had this same problem on my Cherokee and a new stabilizer fixed it.