Hi; i have around 140000 miles on a 1994 dakota extended cab truck. it's running good. It has a very slight pull to the left. My biggest complaint is that as i slow to stop, the truck sorta gently rocks side to side. it's not noticeable at high speeds.

Another thing that could be related is this. when i, say, back out of my driveway and brake, i hear a rather loud noise rather like a heavy grind or rub...hard to describe but it's not natural.

so are the two things related and could you guys please weigh in on this?

thanks
kevin

 

Check your brakes.

 

i hope it is just brakes. once my friend finds time to work on it, i'll definitely have him check the brakes first. Thanks

 

Yep. Brakes, shocks, suspension stuff.

 

theres nothing 'obviously' broke or loose under there; i don't know where to start or how to troubleshoot it; ideas?

 

If you have a pull it could be a sticking brake caliper, so I would start with getting that taken care of. The grinding sound could be your brake pads/shoes are worn down to the rivets. Again, a thorough brake system inspection is in order here. Troubleshoot by process of elimination.

 

okay then; soon as this rain moves out we'll take a closer look; thank you!

 

there's something i didn't mention; i don't have to brake for it to sway side to side as i'm almost stopped. one other factor i didnt consider is that i have one smaller size tire in the rear. any of that change y'alls thinkin? thanks

 

well if its a 4x4 runnign different tire size aint good and can bind up the T-Case untill one front or rear tire looses traction to release such binding , i had this on my jeep cause retards installign new tires didnt realize tires were 285/70/17 in rear and 245/60/17 in front when i asked for the 285/70/17(33's) so big difference, they backed out out of shops and it locked up wouldnt move, hit the gas and damage was done , returds but hey new i got new clutch, rebuilt tranny rebuilt T case and new driveshafts.... and free tires :O

anyway if your 3wd , its no issues and shouldnt be cuasing that aslong as its front and rear, not left and right, and it almost sound sliek either Ebrake si stuck on, caliper or slides is seized, etc.....

 

thanks; i'll look into the brakes....a new thing has come up; i have a bad right rear wheel bearing. i'm thinking that may be causing the front end to shimmy...whatdaya think?