Help Please! Vibrations… Not the good ones

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Judoka

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Ok. So I know everyone has discussed front end vibration in many threads.
But!
I have a strange one. I have front end vibration that SEEMS to be coming from the drivers front wheel. It vibrates all of the time EXCEPT when I turn to the Right ! Totally counter intuitive I know. Any ideas? Again always vibrates until I am turning right! Thank you all!
 

Travelin Ram

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Common troubleshooting method is to rotate wheels and see if the problem moves.

While you’re doing that it’s also easy to check for noisy or loose wheel bearings.

If it’s a 4x4 the front axle u-joints or CV joints should be inspected also.

More specific info about your truck would be helpful. 1500 or HD, 4wd, is it stock or lifted, what wheels and tires are …
 
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Judoka

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Sorry. all that info was asked of me and I think in my profile. 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 ( with AWD T-case) quad cab Hemi stock 20 inch wheels with presumably stock tires which will be replaced soon. I am just getting the truck now from my elderly uncle.
 

Smokeybear01

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Once you get it jacked up you'll probably be able to pinpoint what's loose. And if nothing seems loose, it might follow the wheel. A way out of balance tire or bent rim will all cause that..Did uncle hit a curb? CV joint and wheel bearing should be pretty obvious with the front end off the ground. Good luck
 

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It will help you get better answers in forums if you put most of the relevant truck spec info into your signature, because that shows up every time.

Profiles hardly get seen because they’re out of the way and require extra steps to seek out.

Since your vibe responds to steering input check the tie rod ends and ball joints for wear also.

Is the vibration mostly heard, or felt? And if felt, where- steering wheel, floor pan, seat, pedals….
 
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Judoka

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Steering wheel feedback but mostly HEARD.
 
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Judoka

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It will help you get better answers in forums if you put most of the relevant truck spec info into your signature, because that shows up every time.

Profiles hardly get seen because they’re out of the way and require extra steps to seek out.

Since your vibe responds to steering input check the tie rod ends and ball joints for wear also.

Is the vibration mostly heard, or felt? And if felt, where- steering wheel, floor pan, seat, pedals….
The vibration is felt slightly in the steering wheel but the noise is what is most obvious
 

REDinAZ

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Steering wheel feedback but mostly HEARD.
but you haven't posted once yet what you're "hearing".

sounds like something is loose? is it a clunk?? does it sound like something is rubbing??? does it have an increase or decrease with the speed the wheel is rotating????
 

Ole Buck

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tires is loose, bad hub, hub bolts have backed out, cv axel is bad. Not much else under there moves while in motion.
 
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Just like the thread has mentioned it can be a number of things.
First don't always assume which wheel it is coming from, especially on a 4x4. I had a 4x4 and had a bearing go out and swore it was the Passenger Side front and turned out to be the Drivers Side front,
The only way to tell is to jack it up and inspect. Generally speaking with the whole front end jacked up (both front wheels off the ground) you want to shake the tire vigorously from left to right and from top to bottom. This will test the bearing and tie rod ends as well as ball joints. While this may not catch everything it is a good start.

Hope this helps.
 
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Judoka

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but you haven't posted once yet what you're "hearing".

sounds like something is loose? is it a clunk?? does it sound like something is rubbing??? does it have an increase or decrease with the speed the wheel is rotating????
Sorry. The vibration rounds like a low pitch “roar” which increases with speed up to about 75 mph where it begins to quit back down a bit but still present.
 

Ole Buck

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Jack up that that side, that specific wheel, leave everything else touching the ground. Sit down on the ground and put both feet on the tire, one on each side and then slowly start rocking your legs back and forth. Like peddling a bicycle, if something is loose you will know. Just don't push your truck off of the jack.
 

Chuckster

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Just a guess here, but I think it is your left front wheel bearing. Back in my front wheel drive days (which haven't quite expired) the front wheel bearings were easy to diagnose...a growling/vibration while going straight, and if it's the LF turning right will put a side load the wheel bearing, reducing the growl/vibration. If it's a 2WD, jack the LF up off the ground and spin the wheel, you may hear/feel the bad bearing. Also while jacked up move the tire in and out gripping the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock, then side to side (3 and 6 o'clock) and check for movement.
Good luck!
 

Tominator223

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Possibly the wheel bearing. Because turning right would load the driver wheel/bearing. Stoping the noise/wobble. Check tie rod also. If it’s been wobbling awhile it can damage tie rod as well.
 
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