Front end vibration

[MNnoMore]

I have a 2014 Dutch Star 4018 with a front end vibration that is driving me a little bit crazy. I'll try to describe it as best that I can and what has been done so far. It's a rhythmic vibration that cycles over and over. Each cycle is about 7 seconds long consisting of about 6 seconds of a low pitched vibration that occilates up and down in intensity, with multiple occilations per cycle. The occilations start mild, grow stronger and the mild again. Finally followed by 1 second of no vibration. It then repeats the 7 second cycle all over again. It starts at 45 mph, gets worse from 55-65, and goes away at 70mph. I had the front wheels balanced (glass beads), no improvement. I actually thought it made it worse. The tire guy thought there was inside tire wear on both and I should get alignment checked. Alignment was found to be toed out about .45 inches total. Aligned to zero toe, but it still vibrates. They felt front right wheel didn't spin as freely as it should so suggested taking it to truck mechanic. Truck mechanic said everything up front was spinning as it should. Took it to Freightliner and after 2 hours, 2 test drives, and $500, they confirmed the vibration but found no suspension or front end issues. They did agree front inside of both tires were worn abnormal, likely due to toe out issue. The wear is not terrible, but obvious there is uneven wear, So, about $800 into it and no solution. So finally, my question to you all is, could the abnormal tire wear cause this? Not excited about putting $2k into new tires just to see it helps as tires are 2022's in good shape.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

I have a 2014 Dutch Star 4018 with a front end vibration that is driving me a little bit crazy. I'll try to describe it as best that I can and what has been done so far. It's a rhythmic vibration that cycles over and over. Each cycle is about 7 seconds long consisting of about 6 seconds of a low pitched vibration that occilates up and down in intensity, with multiple occilations per cycle. The occilations start mild, grow stronger and the mild again. Finally followed by 1 second of no vibration. It then repeats the 7 second cycle all over again. It starts at 45 mph, gets worse from 55-65, and goes away at 70mph. I had the front wheels balanced (glass beads), no improvement. I actually thought it made it worse. The tire guy thought there was inside tire wear on both and I should get alignment checked. Alignment was found to be toed out about .45 inches total. Aligned to zero toe, but it still vibrates. They felt front right wheel didn't spin as freely as it should so suggested taking it to truck mechanic. Truck mechanic said everything up front was spinning as it should. Took it to Freightliner and after 2 hours, 2 test drives, and $500, they confirmed the vibration but found no suspension or front end issues. They did agree front inside of both tires were worn abnormal, likely due to toe out issue. The wear is not terrible, but obvious there is uneven wear, So, about $800 into it and no solution. So finally, my question to you all is, could the abnormal tire wear cause this? Not excited about putting $2k into new tires just to see it helps as tires are 2022's in good shape.

Can you look at the tread to see if is "cupping"? I had a similar occurrence and it went away by rotating the steering tires with the outer drives. Both sets had the same tread pattern so it wasn't a big deal. If yoiu drives are different that your steering it might not be an acceptable option.

Good luck

 

[Wemustrv]

If your toe was out that far and it has caused abnormal wear it is very possible that is your vibration and correcting the toe may eliminate further wear however it will not fix the tires. I suspect the vibration now could be caused by the abnormal wear on the tires.

 

[scottramer]

Absoultly sounds like tire vibration. And with that adnormal wear that is set into the tires now there is most likely no amount of balancing that will get it out.

 

[Neal]

You could try centramatic's, I have them.

https://centramatic.com/

My first set of tires on my Ventana (Michelin) had severe out of balance that they were warranty replaced and all tires were checked to ensure they were not out of round (run out I think they call it).

I'm using Toyo's now, love them.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Groks $0.02

Yes, a toe-out condition on a truck can cause rhythmic vibrations. Toe-out occurs when the front wheels are angled outward, meaning the distance between the front of the tires is greater than the rear. This misalignment affects vehicle stability and tire contact with the road, leading to several issues that can manifest as vibrations:

• Tire Wear and Road Contact: Toe-out causes uneven tire wear, often on the inner edges, which can create an uneven rolling surface. This unevenness can produce rhythmic vibrations, especially at certain speeds, as the tires struggle to maintain consistent contact with the road.
• Steering Instability: Toe-out makes the vehicle less stable, causing the wheels to “wander” or pull slightly side-to-side. This can result in a rhythmic shimmy or oscillation felt through the steering wheel or chassis, particularly at higher speeds (e.g., 40-70 mph).
• Suspension Feedback: The misalignment puts additional stress on suspension components, like tie rods and bushings, which can amplify vibrations. These vibrations may feel rhythmic if they resonate with the vehicle’s natural frequency or tire rotation speed.
• Speed-Dependent Vibrations: The vibrations are often speed-sensitive, becoming more pronounced at specific ranges (e.g., 50-60 mph) due to the interaction between tire rotation, road surface, and the misalignment’s effect on tracking.

For example, posts on X and web sources like tire shops and automotive forums (e.g., Firestone, Les Schwab) confirm that improper toe alignment, including toe-out, can lead to vibrations, wobbling, or shaking in the steering wheel. These symptoms may worsen if the misalignment is significant or combined with other issues like unbalanced tires or worn suspension parts.


To confirm if toe-out is the cause, check for:

• Uneven tire wear (inner tread worn more than outer).
• Steering wheel pulling or a “wandering” feel while driving.
• Visible misalignment when looking at the front wheels from above.

Fix: Have the truck’s alignment checked and corrected by a professional. A proper alignment will adjust the toe to the manufacturer’s specifications, which should eliminate the vibrations if toe-out is the primary cause. If vibrations persist, inspect tires for balance and suspension components for wear.


If you have specific details (e.g., truck model, speed at which vibrations occur, or other symptoms), I can tailor the answer further. Would you like me to analyze any related X posts or web content for more context?

 

[John Burke]

You have a driveline vibration. GM used to be really bad years ago. I have balanced many of them on the vehicle. As per GM factory, (cannot make this s!!t up) you would find the high side. Them using fiberglass tape, tape a flat washer on the opposite of the high side. Worked very well. The mid range vibration going away at higher speeds is the clue to a driveshaft. Take the rig somewhere to get driveshaft balanced.

 

[BGMAC]

I’ve experienced that if you have uneven tire wear due to whatever condition no amount of wheel balancing will help. Take it to a decent tire shop that can “true” the tire. This is cutting the tire round again. I’ve done this on several vehicles including my RV. It works great. Other options is to rotate or get 2 new tires.

 

[MNnoMore]

Can you look at the tread to see if is "cupping"? I had a similar occurrence and it went away by rotating the steering tires with the outer drives. Both sets had the same tread pattern so it wasn't a big deal. If yoiu drives are different that your steering it might not be an acceptable option.

Good luck

No cupping. Wouldn't shifting the fronts to drives just push the issue to the drive axles? Vibration back there can't be good either

 

[MNnoMore]

I’ve experienced that if you have uneven tire wear due to whatever condition no amount of wheel balancing will help. Take it to a decent tire shop that can “true” the tire. This is cutting the tire round again. I’ve done this on several vehicles including my RV. It works great. Other options is to rotate or get 2 new tires.

Wouldn't rotating just move the problem somewhere else?

 

[MNnoMore]

Groks $0.02

Yes, a toe-out condition on a truck can cause rhythmic vibrations. Toe-out occurs when the front wheels are angled outward, meaning the distance between the front of the tires is greater than the rear. This misalignment affects vehicle stability and tire contact with the road, leading to several issues that can manifest as vibrations:

• Tire Wear and Road Contact: Toe-out causes uneven tire wear, often on the inner edges, which can create an uneven rolling surface. This unevenness can produce rhythmic vibrations, especially at certain speeds, as the tires struggle to maintain consistent contact with the road.
• Steering Instability: Toe-out makes the vehicle less stable, causing the wheels to “wander” or pull slightly side-to-side. This can result in a rhythmic shimmy or oscillation felt through the steering wheel or chassis, particularly at higher speeds (e.g., 40-70 mph).
• Suspension Feedback: The misalignment puts additional stress on suspension components, like tie rods and bushings, which can amplify vibrations. These vibrations may feel rhythmic if they resonate with the vehicle’s natural frequency or tire rotation speed.
• Speed-Dependent Vibrations: The vibrations are often speed-sensitive, becoming more pronounced at specific ranges (e.g., 50-60 mph) due to the interaction between tire rotation, road surface, and the misalignment’s effect on tracking.

For example, posts on X and web sources like tire shops and automotive forums (e.g., Firestone, Les Schwab) confirm that improper toe alignment, including toe-out, can lead to vibrations, wobbling, or shaking in the steering wheel. These symptoms may worsen if the misalignment is significant or combined with other issues like unbalanced tires or worn suspension parts.


To confirm if toe-out is the cause, check for:

• Uneven tire wear (inner tread worn more than outer).
• Steering wheel pulling or a “wandering” feel while driving.
• Visible misalignment when looking at the front wheels from above.

Fix: Have the truck’s alignment checked and corrected by a professional. A proper alignment will adjust the toe to the manufacturer’s specifications, which should eliminate the vibrations if toe-out is the primary cause. If vibrations persist, inspect tires for balance and suspension components for wear.


If you have specific details (e.g., truck model, speed at which vibrations occur, or other symptoms), I can tailor the answer further. Would you like me to analyze any related X posts or web content for more context?

All information is in my original post regarding speed dependent correlation and other things you asked.

 

[Rollin Ollen]

Wouldn't rotating just move the problem somewhere

Wouldn't rotating just move the problem somewhere else?

It didn't for us. The procedure was recommended by our tire shop. Don't forget, you have duals on the rear and the steering tires are closer to the driver's seat plus the steering wheel tends to transmit variances where the rears....not so much. Check with you tire shop as they are the experts. What worked for us may not for you.

Safe travels