Could Steering Wheel Vibration Be Due To Loose Connections?

Question:

Two questions: How much do you move the unit to have our rig track straight? It does not pull to either side but I can feel the rear end “squirm” at speed on the highway. Is there a correlation with the installed unit and excessive steering wheel vibration? I think we installed the unit correctly and I don’t know if there is a cause and effect. The vibration seems to “come and go” depending on road surface and speed. I cannot remember having a concern regarding steering wheel vibration before installation. Where would an RV mechanic start the process of eliminating the vibration? The tires appear sound with 26,000 miles on them. Could the wheels suddenly have gone out of balance somehow? ANY HELP APPRECIATED!

asked by: Tony D

Expert Reply:

It sounds like there may be some "play" in the suspension parts. If it were pulling right or left, you would loosen the u-bolts pull forward a bit with the wheels straightened, then tighten the u-bolts up again using a torque wrench to the torque recommended in the installation guide. I know you said it was not pulling, but ensuring that the u-bolts are fully tightened is important. Also check all other bolts for proper torque. If you do not have a torque wrench, you can use the Powerbuilt # ALL644044 wrench.

Vibration through the steering wheel could also be caused by poor wheel alignment, or a brake rotor issue, or even a balancing weight that has come off of a wheel.

In the worst case scenario you may have to uninstall the stabilizer and test again under circumstances that are causing vibration now. However, it seems unlikely that it would be the stabilizer.

I hope this is helpful.

expert reply by: Les D