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Front suspension shakes after hitting bump in road above 40mph.

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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 03:01 AM
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Default Front suspension shakes after hitting bump in road above 40mph.

Does anybody have an idea what could cause my steering to violently shake back-and-forth after hitting a bump in the road above 40 mph? This has happened to me a few times and I am waiting for the day when I can't control it.
It is a 97 Ram 1500 4x4. I am the second owner so I am not sure if the suspension is stock or if it has been lifted a bit.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 06:19 AM
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Death wobble.


Do a quick search, you will have more info than you can imagine. Its basically caused by worn out steering parts and/or the track bar. Worn ball joints can also aid to this I'm sure.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 06:25 AM
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And if your truck is lifted a little that shouldn't matter anyway. I have never experienced it with my truck (lots of street driving, its my DD), but my dads new 07 3/4 Ram with 18k miles has got it a few times already (thats ridiculous).

Anyway, have someone saw the steering back and forth a little bit while you can lay underneath the truck and evaluate the steering and track bar ends. They are most likely due for replacement.

Good luck.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 09:12 AM
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try new shocks as well... you'd be amazed at what they can do
 
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Old Mar 30, 2009 | 06:39 PM
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Definitely death wobble. Since it's the steering that has the problem, it's the track bar ... no doubt in my mind. VERY common problem ... and fix.
 
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