Vibration in Steering Wheel When Turning

[sm10]

I have a 2014 1500 2WD with a 4.5" lift, 35x12.50r20 tires, which the lift and tires has been on for over a year now. Truck has 82k miles. I just started noticing a vibration in the steering wheel when turning at really slow speeds, like when parking. I have noticed it when turning the wheel to park and when the wheel is rotating back to straighten out. I don't believe I have noticed any noise when the vibration is occurring. I have read through many threads, but couldn't find one exactly relating to my issue. Any help would be highly appreciated.

 

[BrianandChrissy]

Tie rod ends possibly?

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[MADDOG]

Make sure your PS pump isn't giving up.

Make sure your belt isn't slipping.

 

[taj8250]

My '14 had a weird feeling in the steering wheel that you could really feel at slow speeds. Felt like I was driving on gravel. Ended up being some bushing or something in the rack and pinion.

 

[sm10]

My '14 had a weird feeling in the steering wheel that you could really feel at slow speeds. Felt like I was driving on gravel. Ended up being some bushing or something in the rack and pinion.

Were you getting that feel in the steering wheel when you turned at all?

 

[sm10]

Tie rod ends possibly?

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Is there a way to check tie rod ends other than the usual cracked boots and grease leaking out?

 

[Bighorn 4 Life]

Is there a way to check tie rod ends other than the usual cracked boots and grease leaking out?

I would also like to know this...

 

[JPT]

Jack one side of the vehicle up (front only), hold that side tire at 12 & 6, if there is any play when you jiggle that, it is likely to be a control arm. Hold the same tire at 3 & 9 and jiggle, if there is any play it is likely to be a tie rod. (Note, a bad wheel bearing can cause play in any direction)

You also can have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth very slightly (they don't actually have to make the tires turn, just load the steering one way then the other. Look for any play at all. (Note, this is with all 4 wheels on the ground, the truck in park and the parking brake on so they don't roll you over when you are down there)

Ball joints (tie rod ends) can have slight up and down movement, but shouldn't have any side to side play.

 

[Bighorn 4 Life]

Jack one side of the vehicle up (front only), hold that side tire at 12 & 6, if there is any play when you jiggle that, it is likely to be a control arm. Hold the same tire at 3 & 9 and jiggle, if there is any play it is likely to be a tie rod. (Note, a bad wheel bearing can cause play in any direction)

You also can have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth very slightly (they don't actually have to make the tires turn, just load the steering one way then the other. Look for any play at all. (Note, this is with all 4 wheels on the ground, the truck in park and the parking brake on so they don't roll you over when you are down there)

Ball joints (tie rod ends) can have slight up and down movement, but shouldn't have any side to side play.

Thank you. I have Zone uppers and just installed Moog lowers 2 weeks ago. I am going to see if I need tie rod ends now. Something on my right front is squeaking when going over bumps. Driving me crazy.

 

[sm10]

Update: I found out the solution to the vibration in the steering wheel and brake pedal when turning at slow speeds. Turned out that it was from my front tires cupping on the outsides. I had my entire front end checked out and it all came out good (tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings). Alignment was done, but it was not causing the cupping. Got my tires rotated and that fixed the vibrations. Now to figure out why the tires are cupping. I heard it could be from worn out shocks.

 

[WilliamS]

Shocks or improper alignment. If you have a lift and still using the stock specs that might be your problem.

 

[sm10]

Shocks or improper alignment. If you have a lift and still using the stock specs that might be your problem.

The alignment was off but the wheels were pointed outward so they said that wouldn't cause cupping. I'm thinking its the shocks since I have 85k miles on it and there has been a lot of rough off road miles as well. Might just order some Bilsteins right now.

 

[WilliamS]

The alignment was off but the wheels were pointed outward so they said that wouldn't cause cupping. I'm thinking its the shocks since I have 85k miles on it and there has been a lot of rough off road miles as well. Might just order some Bilsteins right now.

Now that is a great idea!