death wobble question

I just snugged up a bolt under the steering relay unit that holds a bottom arm to it. Its the unit right behind the grill. (2A 109) Well that I think was the cause of whats called the death wobble I have been having. I had the front up on this morning on jacks and while I was pushing and pulling on stuff I noticed the front tires, one side a bit worse than the other had vertical play (up and down) of least 2cm I think. The other side being maybe 3cm. Is this normal? I was reading something about shims needing to be adjusted on the swivel housing, bottom or top because of wear? Does this sound right or is there supposed to be that kind of play?

That's a massive amount of movement, are you sure you're seeing that much? Swivel pins and bearings can wear out and need replacing.
Shims are to adjust preload, not to take up play

If your measurements are correct then swivel housings need a rebuild with new bearings on the bottom and new bushes at the top and new seals and gaskets. That much play though and I doubt you could steer a vaguely straight line.
If you mean mm's then removal of shim/shims [ there are different thickness] under the top swivel pin will sort issue and get the "preload" correct. How to set preload can be found with Youtube video's.
Pretty much the same job on series and early Ninety One ten trucks.
Having preload correct is what eliminates death wobble in most cases.

Sounds like you need new bits, there are parts book and workshop manuals here


also check wheel bearings all that play would nit have helped them

Thanks for the replies. No death wobble yesterday on a 4 hour trip, but I did manage to do some big damage. I think I'm am going to start a new thread on that. Ill have to put this off until next year at least.

Pics please hope it’s not too serious , you sound too busy