98 Ranger Automatic Vibrates on turns

[kristiep]

Hi,

I perused through all the posts to see if I could get an idea of whats happening with my truck. It just started last night. When you make a turn about a1/4 of the turn in it starts to vibrate while turning in either direction. I guess I have to take it to a shop but I don't want to get run over and hopefully have some knowledge to what might be happening. The power steering fluid is full but some popped out and it smells old, so I was going to have that drained and replaced but want to see if there is anything else. It's a 1998 Automatic with about 140,000 miles on it.

 

[The_Epsicle]

Weird... Things that come to mind are damaged tie rod ends, damaged tires, bent rim, bad alignment, broken ball joints and any and all suspension components. That's a tough one though, my family's E350 had death wobble and it turned out that one of the reinforcement belts in the tire had broken and we couldn't see any damage from the outside, but that doesn't sound exactly like what you're experiencing.

 

[kristiep]

Okay thanks! I was hoping that it was something as easy as the transmission fluid was old and dirty......but that would be too easy right So, typically it would have to be something of those natures to get that shake going on?

 

[adsm08]

Without feeling this vibration, and having almost no description to go on I can think of two things.

1) Worn out limited slip clutches

2) aerated power steering fluid.

The fact that you say some steering fluid "popped" out seems to support the idea that an air bubble got into that system at some point, or that there is an issue with the pump or the rack.

Jack the front end up so both wheels are off the ground, start the truck, and turn the wheel lock to lock about 25 times, see if your vibration goes away.

 

[kristiep]

Thanks, I will try that! I saw that you posted that before and I appreciate the input. I drove it to work today...hoping it had gone away....not so much. Is it dangerous to be driving?

 

[willy]

Check the ball joints too

 

[adsm08]

Without see it for myself and feeling this vibration I honestly can't speak to the safety of the vehicle right now.

 

[kristiep]

Well, went by a local place who change my oil and they took a look and and said they didn't think it was aerated, so I went across the street to the mechanics and they can't see me til Thursday. He said maybe the Steering Pump? It groans when you turn it when your sitting still and it vibrated sometimes when I was turning but other times it didnt'. I just don't want to get taken. My son said he could fix it if its the steering pump but he's in finals at school right now.

 

[ramzzhakim]

If it drives perfect when going straight and feels like its locking up in the rear when turning either way i'd put my money on clutch packs. THey are a pain in le booty to replace so i'd see if some oil w/ additive in the back can get em back up and performing first. (Assuming they are the issue)