Front end wobble

Tiny
CHEVYGEEK89
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 BUICK LESABRE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • 123,000 MILES
I have replaced front driver side CV axle after blowing the joint. I assembled it correctly using all torque specs and now the front end wobbles. Ball joint seemed good as well as the wheel bearing the tie rod end was stiff but not froze or anything. Plus the brake pedal goes to the floor. There are no leaks and never disconnected the line. Any thoughts?
Tuesday, February 13th, 2018 AT 9:45 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning.

I would start by checking the tire for any shifted belts to be sure it is not a tire issue.

As far as the brakes, inspect the wheels, all of them and make sure there is no damage. You may just have air in the system. Try bleeding the brakes first.

What have you tried with the brakes?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 AT 12:56 AM
Tiny
CHEVYGEEK89
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have not done anything to the brake system. Reason being that I had plenty of pedal pressure before unbolting the caliper. And the tire was fine. Could it be that the new half shaft is out of balance? Seems unlikely. I am wondering if something is out of whack from the joint grenading while cruising at bout eighty five mph. But that seems unlikely as well. It broke the outer joint which is pretty forgiving in my experiences. I am baffled at this point.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 AT 4:33 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Is the wheel siting straight? It could be an issue with the front end alignment but I would also not rule out a tire considering the speed the event happened. Have the front end checked for any bent or out of adjustment pieced.

Was the caliper damaged from this event?

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 AT 4:42 AM
Tiny
PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,853 POSTS
Double-check and make sure the caliper bolts are tight and the hub/bearing bolts are tight and the hub end nut is tight.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 AT 7:27 AM
Tiny
CHEVYGEEK89
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Caliper was not damaged nor was anything hit when it broke, the boot held together and I triple checked all my torque pecs. Forgot to mention that I only separated the upper ball joint, caliper bracket, tie rod end, and sway bar link. All were in good shape. I greased everything as well. Would over-tightening the sway bar give me a wobble? I figure not, but figured I ask for an opinion on that as well. I am starting to think the clip on the stub shaft was in disrepair, even though after inserting the half shaft. I could not remove it by hand maybe the shaft is moving in and out but then again the a arms are good, and bushings good. The car is solid as can be. What is more, would unplugging the ABS have anything to do with the loss of pressure? Trac light came on when it was not before.
Thanks for all the insight guys.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, February 16th, 2018 AT 12:06 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning.

No, the ABS being disabled would not cause no brake pressure.

If the axle is not secure in the trans-axle, yes, it could cause the wobble.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Friday, February 16th, 2018 AT 12:32 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Ball Joint Content

Ball Joint
GUIDE
Ball Joint
A ball joint is used to act as a universal swivel joint that connects the upper or lower control arms to the spindle which is where the axle bearing and wheel is supported....