So I picked up a vehicle and at 40 or so it would shake like mad from the passenger side. So I thought.
I get it home, get under it, everything seems tight. Lube up all the greasable fittings. Get the front wheels off the ground, no noticeable play.
I checked the wheel bearings, and they were a lil loose, probably need repacked, but tightened them up.
So I thought I would swap the right side tires from front to rear, and see if the shake moved or went away.
Get her all back together, and dang it, the wobble is now coming from the driverside!
So Idler Arm? The steering is a lil loose, but doesn't seem to wander.

The only thing I can think of is my buddy that was helping me swapped the front tires when I went to go get food. I left a message, but he has not called back.

Toss that tire(s)

tire/rim way out of balance or it's belts starting to seperate

update, he called back, didn't touch the wheels.

and no he's not stuck between them.

I'd still go with it being a tire (or tires). I've personally seen tire wear act just like a bent rim. Try swapping the wheels front to back and try it out. I'm guessing you'll see a difference.

Jack up the right side and grab the right wheel. Move it back and forth while the left is still on the ground see if you have any movement. If you do just look under the car when you are moving it. If it is the idler arm it will be obvious.

If you are wanting to eliminate the wheel as an issue, move the front tires to the back and the back ones to the front. See if it's still there. I had a similar problem on my car, the lug holes were "wallered out" on one of my wheels according to my alignment guy. I put the spare on and the problem disappeared. Couldn't hurt to check the idler either.

I hope that you know what you are doing when you say that you tightened up the front wheel bearings. Better too loose than too tight.
I go along with the guys on wheel balance.

I had the same problem on my 1962 dodge back in high school.
Bad wheels and loose front end , fix acordingly and don't forget the shocks.

move the driver side to the back, still there...:(

as far as tightening the wheel bearings, no, I didn't crank the nut down......

the nut was loose, when I pulled the cotter pin washer off it was spinning with it... if that makes sense.


I'll jack up one side tomorrow and wiggle things.

well with the drivers wheel on the ground, it was clear the outer driver side tie rod was shot.


thanx for the help guys

Glad you found it.