Front end vibration

gldwing57 · Apr 14, 2010

It just noticed that on my 3510I when I cut my wheels real ard to the right ot left I get a vibration, sorta feels like the tires are hitting something. It does it in or out of 4wd...I just noticed it recently and the wheels have to be cut real sharp.

Has anyone else experianced this?

Zork · Apr 14, 2010

No I have not, but I try not to cut the tires sharp on pavement due to the camber of the wheel and potential tire wear. I have noticed, however, the lugs on my tires (assumed)making a vibration when I travel at higher speeds and in a straight line.

tjc1989 · Apr 14, 2010

First, check to make sure your lug nuts are good and tight. If they are OK, then check to see if tires are hitting any part of the frame when in full turn. Then if that is apparently OK, check tie rod end to see if they have come loose, and caused the toe in to become out of adjustment.

Lastly, the joints on the 4 WD knuckle are a CV joint style , I believe, and could have some wear.

bobmisi · Apr 15, 2010

You may also want to check the fluid on each side of the front axle, the fluid does come out the breather and they have been known to leave the factory without the correct level of fluid. Dealers to dot check this at pre-delivery. I can tell you this first hand.

jbunkley · Apr 16, 2010

Funny you you brought this up. While doing some leveling with a drag yesterday I noticed my 3510i making the same sound. Sounds/feels the same as when I was younger & had those big ole mud tires on my truck which were way too big & would rub the fenders. Anyway it was dark when I finished last night & will check it out this afternoon.

Reg · Apr 16, 2010

gldwing57 said:
It just noticed that on my 3510I when I cut my wheels real ard to the right ot left I get a vibration, sorta feels like the tires are hitting something. It does it in or out of 4wd...I just noticed it recently and the wheels have to be cut real sharp.

Has anyone else experianced this?

Maybe something IS hitting the tires ?
Maybe something on the 3pt ?
So I would check the tension of the check chains, maybe too much side to side float of whatever is on there.
The lock nuts on mine loosen all too easily.

Alternatively, it might just be the nature of the tire lugs as the front wheels "scrub" through the turn.

gldwing57 · Apr 16, 2010

Thanks to all I will check things this weekend and update ya.

gldwing57 · Apr 27, 2010

Update on front end vibration... I checked all the fluids and knuckles ect and found the tie rod end loose where it bolts to the steering arm next to wheel. I pulled the pin and tightened it down and all seems well for now.

Why or how it loosened up I dont know.

bobmisi · Apr 27, 2010

That also was a very common problem on the earlier Bransons. My understanding is that Branson changed the design of the ends and went to a beefier end. Your dealer can tell you more, or check the earlier threads. Keep an eye on them, cause I understand they will loosen again. Why? Who knows...................

Reg · Apr 28, 2010

Yep, a known problem.
I made a 15 mile detour yesterday to pick up a kit of upgraded parts at my (not)local dealer (usually ~100 mile round trip).
Here is a summary;
The tie rod ends loosen (you found that out already),
The taper wears and eventually some combination of the thinned part and a shock load causes the tie rod end to break (NOT good).
If they loosen repeatedly and you tighten them repeatedly eventually you run out of taper.
The original tie rod ends are ~$190 a piece (don't ask ME why, weak dollar maybe ?)
The upgrade kit is just about the price of two new tie rods, but you also get the top plates that they bolt onto, so while it is a lot of money it is a relatively good deal and they ARE more substantial.
I was prepared for about a $300 kit and winced when I heard $380.
I was shown what they do in their shop, which is to add a fairly thick washer on the rod side.
I'm still not entirely comfortable with this, it seems to assume that tension can substitute for a good taper fit.
I guess it MIGHT reduce the tendency to wobble and wear... still not comfortable with it.

I left without the parts kit and resolved to check and tighten often.
I might add spring washers to reduce the tendency to loosen.