Shudder/shake in suspension

[Dpsthomas]

Hello all,

While driving higher than 10 mph my suspension will 'shudder' when I hit even the smallest bump. Is there something specific that I should inspect or tighten to get a smoother ride. It's a 99 two door sport with stock ride height. I just replaced the shocks with bilstien HDs.

 

[bowtiefreak]

how are the tie rods and ball joints? Tires balanced?

 

[WalterMitty]

Did it "shudder" before you changed the shocks?

Can you tell if it's front or rear? (feel it in the steering wheel or the seat?)

I would probably start with the tires and wheels. Look for broken belts, out of round, and untrue wheels. If you've been in the mud, check inside the wheels for clumps of mud that will throw balance out.

That should be enough to check for now along with BTF's suggestions.

 

[Dpsthomas]

I just recently got new wheels and tires. They are slightly larger than factory. I had then balanced and I got an alignment. Then I put the new shocks on. It rides so much better accept for this "shudder". It may have done it all along it's just more noticeable now because of the ride improvement. (it was terrible before) I will try and attach a picture of my ball joints the boots are busted but I don't know if they are worn out.

 

[bowtiefreak]

could be bad tires. I had a set of tires (sport king AT) one time that always shook the truck from 60-80, no matter what I did with them

 

[Dpsthomas]

It only does it when I hit bumps. It's annoying because even the smallest bump is very noticeable. Here's the picture of my passenger side suspension. Anything seem out of whack?

 

[Dpsthomas]

I just went and lifted the front end off of the ground. I put my hands at 3 and 9 o'clock to check for play in the tie rods. I moves about 1 inch either direction. Is that normal or should it be tight and if it's not normal would it be that the tie rods are warn/wearing out?

 

[SunlitComet]

if BOTH sides are moving the same amount I would look at pitman or idler arm or gearbox. If it is just one side the it would normally be a tie rod and it all should be tight.

 

[willua11]

A whole inch? I would assume something would need to be replaced.

 

[Dpsthomas]

Thanks for all the replies!

After further inspection it looks like I have a bad pit-man arm/idler arm. Here's a link to a video I found on YouTube describing how to replace it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu8Da5W53Uo This video shows exactly what mine is doing for anyone that may want to know.

When I find the time to replace it I'll let you know if my ride improved.

---------- Post added at 07:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:04 PM ----------

Oh and Sunlit you're exactly right both sides had the same amount of travel so you pointed me in the right direction. Thanks