For my friends who are bottom liners, here is the problem and my speculation in bullet points.

I have a rear wheel wobble or shake that is pronounced. My speculation is that it is a –
- Bearing going out
- Shock issue
- Bent rim

My main question is, “how do I figure out which one so I can get it fixed?”

And for those that like the details here is my sad story.

On Wednesday (Jan 25, 2012) I did a recon run to one of the rural counties near where I live to check on tornado damage, with a view to sending in volunteer work teams.

Most of the trip was uneventful but on one dirt road section I rounded a curve to find a sudden change in the road grade and conditions. Namely, I bumped and "slammed" my way down a steep, wash-boarded, rutted hill.

When I got to the bottom I stopped and looked back and thought to myself "I guess I'm going where ever this road goes now, because I don't think I can go back up that hill." In a 4x4 no problem, but in my 4x2 with road tires on a muddy hill, it was not going to happen.

About 30 minutes later I found my way back to paved roads and as soon as I got up to speed I noticed a rough shake. The worst of it seems to be coming from the right rear corner.

So on (Thursday (1/26) I had the alignment checked and it is in spec. While it was on the rack the tech looked and observed a “high spot” in the right rear tire. So on Friday I replaced the right rear tire.

The shake is still there. I have not jacked it up to recheck that tire while spinning.

I have a road trip on the calendar to Texas and back next week so I need to get to the bottom of this. Any assistance will be appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Rick

 

You'll have to jack it up on both sides.
Hate to say it but if you hit hard enough you may have bent an axle shaft.
Best case is some cords separated in the other tire.

 

I did not think of axle shaft. How can that be diagnosed?

 

Mount a known straight tire and rim on it , then spin it while in the air. If it wobbles, well there you go.

 

Thanks, and roger that. I'll post an update when I have it done.

 

Since you were going on a trip , drop the spare and clean the rim.Throw that on as it most likely will be straight. And you can check the pressure in it while it's out.
Spin the wheel slowly while looking at it from the rear , watch the outside sidewall at the bottom of the tire.If it moves outward ,stop , mark the hub at 6 o'clock with w marker.
Remove the wheel and rotate it on the studs by two studs and rotate again.When the bottom of the tire moves outward stop and see if the mark you made is at 6 o'clock.

 

Well I spent an hour this morning at the local Big 10 where I know the manager and techs.and the rim is bad.

It has a side to side wobble and a hump in it. Jeezum.

Suggestions on finding a replacement stock rim that is true?

Ford OEM chrome 15" rims that came on the 2001 Ranger XLT.

 

Well, at least it is the rim and not an axle! I know it sucks but check with your local tire shops that sell rims because they are the best place to go.

 

car-part.com sort by distance

 

Where might I find a part number for the rims?

I've tried the various options and I don't see anything that I can tell for sure that is a match to what I have.

 

Belay my previous post -- I think I found one about 60 miles from me.

Thanks for the heads up on that site.