Millennials have been buying large trucks in greater numbers than any other generation, and it’s easy to see why. No vehicle delivers comfort and power like a truck can.
But, if you’re a new or inexperienced truck owner, it’s hard to know when something is wrong with your ride and what the issue might be. One of the most common problems with trucks is a shake in 4-wheel drive. It makes driving quite uncomfortable and dangerous.
Once you improve your truck, you can get back to enjoying all those rugged experiences your truck was made for, like going off-road or hauling heavy loads. Keep reading to find out what’s causing your shake and how you can fix it.
Misaligned Tires
Rattling sounds in the front end are a warning sign that your tires are out of alignment. When tires are misaligned, they can make a vehicle pull to one side. Poor tire alignment can also cause the steering wheel to shake when making turns.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment for an alignment as soon as possible. You may also have to purchase a new set of quality tires during your visit. Poorly aligned wheels experience more wear and tear than properly aligned wheels do.
A good rule of thumb is to have your tires aligned with every oil change. You can also upgrade your wheels at the same frequency if you choose to.
Engine Misfire
A misfiring engine is one of those truck problems that can be difficult to diagnose because there are many probable causes. Damaged ignition coils are one of the most common reasons for a misfiring engine.
You may notice that when driving with a misfiring engine in 4WD, you hear popping noises coming from under your hood. You might also smell gas fumes leaking from underneath it. These are both signs that something isn’t working correctly inside the car’s combustion chamber.
If these symptoms persist, take your truck to a mechanic to have the vehicle problems diagnosed.
Out-of-Round Brake Rotors
An out-of-round brake rotor is also called a warped brake rotor. The rotors are attached to each wheel. They need to be perfectly round for smooth braking action.
When you apply the brakes on your truck, the pads press against these rotors. If they become warped, this will cause a vibration every time you use the brakes.
To fix this issue, you’ll need to customize your vehicle with new brake rotors. You can also get them replaced if they’re not too worn down.
Bad Spark Plugs
When the spark plugs are misfiring, they send less power to the engine. This leads to vibration and a rougher ride.
To check if your plugs are worn out, ask a mechanic to inspect them during your regular vehicle maintenance. The mechanic should look for cracks on each side of the spark plugs. If there are any cracks around the electrode, replace them with new ones.
Improve Your Truck and Its Performance
If you can’t figure out what’s causing the shaking, it may be time to take your car to the mechanic. Customized rides require constant care, and you should never neglect the safety and performance of your vehicle.
An experienced technician will diagnose and fix the problem quickly so you can get back on the road in no time at all. And while you’re fixing your ride, look at our line of performance parts and accessories to improve your truck. You can trust Outlaw to bring you only the best products and accessories, so you know your truck will be stylish and reliable for years to come.