Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

Took my 35 eight (solid front axle) out and took it for a spin. Twice I hit a little rough patch in the road, and my front end and steering wheel started shaking violently. It wouldn't stop until I slowed down to less than 10 mph. The kingpins have been replaced last year so they wouldn't be worn. Where should I start checking? I never really worked on front ends so I'm kinda new to this.

Called wheel tramp, check the tie rod ends, draglink ends and I'd say king pins, but you said they were already replaced.
John

AKA "Death wobble" Ask me how I know!
Simply one or more worn parts oscillating.

Did the solid axles have the same type steering as later cars with the center link and a bearing positioned under the radiator? IIRC, issues with that center bearing have been the source of some looseness and play which allowed wheel shaking.

Up to 36 all senior cars had solid front axle and front leaf springs, much less to be loose. Have someone rock the steering wheel back and forth while you look under the car. You should be able to spot what's loose.

Insufficient caster can also cause this

BDC, the usual cure is just basics, eliminate slop in spring shackles and shackle pins, the trunnion block, drag link ends, tie rod ends, etc. Make sure wheel bearings are properly adjusted, ditto for the steering gear box.

Then get the front end aligned to specs and have the wheels and tires dynamically balanced. That should eliminate any shimmy, tramp, or the like.

All good suggestion. First place i ck is seeing if the Nuts r tight on the U-bolt/axle to spring. Last place anyone lks.