Front End Problem?

[1930AADUMP]

I have had my 1930AA DUMP now for a relatively short time. The engine has been rebuilt and it runs great. Have not gone much beyond the neighborhood roads with the kids. On smooth roads, it rides just fine, however, if I hit a bump just right, the truck shakes like hell. At this point, I need to stop and then get going again. Is this the shimmy I have read about? I have perhaps 30 miles on the truck since the engine was done and this has only happened a couple of times. It is a bit unnerving as the truck is big and I am a novice with these rigs. Is this no longer road safe? It has the worm drive so I am slow going anyway. I do not think I have reached more than 20-25mph. Was planning to pick up some mulch in it but now am having second thoughts. What do I need to inspect and are there pictures I can attach that would help determine the issue. thank you.

[Fred S]

I'm new to A's, but it sounds like the shimmy I had with my coupe. The first time it happened, I thought the lug nuts weren't tight, and my right front wheel was about to fall off. It would happen sporadically, and always when I was going around 15-20 mph. A small variation in the road would cause it; it didn't take a real bump. If I stopped and restarted, it would go away. Or if I turned the steering wheel back and forth, it would go away. It never happened when driving 'fast' (40-45 mph).

It turned out my steering arm balls were worn. Instead of being round, they were egg shaped. Also, my Pitman arm wasn't super tight. A mechanic and I replaced the steering arms, and tightened the Pitman arm, and the shimmy is gone. The play in the steering wheel has gone from about 2" down to about an inch. It's a big improvement, but I'm also going to replace the internal parts of my drag link and connecting rod next.

[mrraford]

You will eventually find that somewhere in the mix of steering box, tie-rod ends and or wishbone head there is slack that will allow that shimmy to initiate.
My 29 had that problem until I broke down and just rebuilt a front axle setup and rebuilt the steering box to eliminate the steering wheel play. After those projects were complete, Belle drove like a dream.

[Bob C]

If your truck is a 1930 it should not have a worm drive axle,
how about some pictures of your truck.

Bob

[roblesterjr04]

My 29 had an annoying shimmy as well, but mine was because some jackhole removed the pin on the passenger side front castle nut, and it was loose, so my whole drumhub could slide back and forth... Luckily i sourced the problem, tightened shored the nut up, and put a new pin, and the shimmy is gone. Although, my steering play still needs a lot of work. I have yet to restore any of the steering linkage.

[Patrick L.]

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There is something wrong/loose with your front end. It can be anything from the steering box out to the wheel bearings and anything in-between.

[1930AADUMP]

Bob; I am no expert but I am fairly certain I have a worm drive axle. I do not have pictures at work with me, however, I will post one late tonight or tomorrow. Best way to describe is the drive axle is round on one side and flat on the other. Thought they were identical on both sides without the worm drive?

I do have some play in the steering but it does not seem like a lot. How much play should exist in the steering?

[Goldhardt]

I would have someone get in and turn the wheel while you are checking it out from underneath. Sometimes you see stuff moving that shouldn't be and it can be a very easy fix, or at least point you in the right direction.

I was riding with a friend and we hit a bump in the road and his car went into the infamous "death wobble". When we got home and checked it out we found the bracket where the pitman arm goes through the frame was only finger tight! Fortunately for him, it was an easy fix and has never happened again.

[Bob C]

Here are some pictures of AA rear axles. The one on the left is
a worm drive and the right is a bevel gear.

Bob

[40 Deluxe]

You might also jack up one front wheel at a time and shake the wheel side to side and up and down to check for any play/looseness in any part of the steering/suspension.

[newshirt]

Some things to check:

1. Is the pitman arm the least bit loose?
2. Are bolts holding the steering box to the frame a little loose?
3. Is the pitman arm to drag link sloppy?
4. How about the tie rod ends?
5. Do you need to take up any slop in the front wheel bearings?
6. Or replace them?
7. Is the radius rod ball flopping around or worn out?
8. Are the spindle bolts worn?
9. Spindle bearings shimmed correctly?
10. Leaf springs sagging?
11. Tires low?

And others I'm sure I forgot...

[1930artdeco]

1930Dump, yep you need to get the front end checked out. She is still probably safe to drive-mine had he same thing and I would drive on the freeway. But once I replaced the steering balls the shimmy went away. They are not hard to replace-soak the with a penitrant for a few days and swap them out. Then realign the the front end and your off and slowly running.

Mike

[1930AADUMP]

Bob; I believe you are correct regarding the drive axle. Still just a rookie here so pardon my ignorance. Here are a bunch o pictures of the truck. Don't believe it was ever restored. Just lots of bandaids and probably a mix of parts over the years.

[1930AADUMP]

A few more pictures...

[1930AADUMP]

Last few of the truck itself.