Class A Motorhome Wheel Balance Services in Columbus Ohio - Fix RV Steering Shimmy

Quick Take

For your 1997 Class A motorhome experiencing shimmy at 55 mph in the Columbus area, you'll want to visit a heavy-duty truck service center rather than a typical automotive shop. The shimmy at highway speeds commonly indicates wheel balance issues, though alignment problems can't be ruled out on a 27-year-old coach. In Columbus, I recommend Truck Centers of Ohio on Alum Creek Drive, Dave's Truck Repair on Parsons Avenue, or Ryder Truck Rental on Westbelt Drive - all have the equipment to handle your Class A's weight and wheel size. Expect to pay $150-300 for tire balancing on all positions, and $200-400 for a front-end alignment if needed. The shimmy starting specifically at 55 mph is a classic sign of front wheel imbalance, as this speed typically corresponds to the resonant frequency where imbalanced wheels begin causing noticeable vibration through the steering system.

Your 1997 Class A likely rides on 22.5-inch wheels or possibly 19.5-inch depending on the chassis manufacturer (Freightliner, Spartan, or Workhorse). These require specialized balancing equipment that most automotive tire shops don't have. The shops I mentioned above have the heavy-duty spin balancers needed for your motorhome's wheels and the lift capacity to handle a vehicle that likely weighs 20,000-40,000 pounds. Call ahead to confirm they can accommodate your specific length and weight, as some locations may need advance scheduling for Class A work.

Common Causes

The shimmy you're experiencing at 55 mph on your 1997 Class A commonly results from wheel imbalance, but several factors specific to older motorhomes can contribute to this problem. Tire age is a primary concern - if your tires are over 6 years old regardless of tread depth, the internal steel belts may have shifted or separated, creating an imbalance that can't be corrected through traditional balancing. Check the DOT date codes on your tires (four digits indicating week and year of manufacture) to determine age. Many RV tires fail from age-related deterioration rather than wear, especially on coaches that aren't driven frequently.

Wheel corrosion represents another significant issue on 1997 vintage motorhomes. Aluminum wheels from this era often develop corrosion between the wheel and tire bead, or around the valve stem area. This corrosion can cause air leaks leading to pressure variations that feel like balance problems, or create actual weight distribution issues as corrosion builds up unevenly. Steel wheels may have rust scaling that affects balance. Additionally, the wheel weights from previous balancing jobs may have fallen off - older stick-on weights weren't as reliable as modern versions, and clip-on weights can corrode and detach over time.

Mechanical issues beyond tires can also cause shimmy symptoms. Your 1997 Class A may have worn front suspension components including shock absorbers, bushings, or ball joints that allow excessive wheel movement. Worn steering components like tie rod ends or steering dampers can amplify vibrations from minor imbalances. The steering system (recirculating ball or rack and pinion, depending on chassis) may have developed play over 27 years of service. Brake-related problems such as warped rotors or uneven brake pad contact can cause pulsation that feels similar to tire imbalance, though this typically occurs during braking rather than steady-state driving.

Chassis-specific issues may contribute to your problem depending on your motorhome's manufacturer. Freightliner chassis from 1997 had some known issues with front suspension bushings wearing prematurely. Spartan chassis sometimes developed problems with their independent front suspension components. Workhorse chassis, while generally reliable, used automotive-derived components that may not have held up as well under the constant loading of RV service. Frame flex in the coach body can also transmit vibrations differently than in a truck chassis, making diagnosis more complex.

Preparation

WARNING: Motorhome suspension and wheel work involves heavy components and high-pressure systems. Always use proper jack stands, wheel chocks, and follow all safety procedures. Never work under a motorhome supported only by a jack.

Before taking your 1997 Class A to a service facility, perform a thorough inspection to provide the technicians with detailed information about your specific situation. Start by examining all tires (typically 6-8 total: front singles and dual rear wheels on both sides) for obvious problems. Look for uneven wear patterns that might indicate alignment issues - scalloping, feathering, or wear on one edge suggests toe or camber problems. Check for bulges, cracks in the sidewall, or tread separation that could cause vibration. Use a tire pressure gauge to verify all positions are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressures, typically found on a placard inside the driver's door frame or in your owner's manual.

Document your symptoms precisely for the service technicians. Note that the shimmy begins at 55 mph - does it worsen at higher speeds, or does it disappear above a certain speed? Can you feel it through the steering wheel, the floor, or both? Does it occur only when driving straight, or also during gentle turns? Record whether the problem is worse on certain road surfaces or when the motorhome is loaded versus empty. This information helps technicians determine whether the issue is tire-related, suspension-related, or involves driveline components.

Gather your maintenance records if available, particularly any recent tire work, alignment services, or front-end repairs. If you've had the tires rotated recently, note when this occurred as it might coincide with the shimmy development. Locate your vehicle registration and insurance information, as some service facilities require this for liability purposes when working on large RVs. Check your roadside assistance coverage - some policies include towing for RVs, which could be valuable if a tire problem is discovered that makes driving unsafe.

Prepare for the service visit by removing any personal items from the cockpit area and ensuring clear access to the front tires. Some technicians may need to test drive your motorhome, so have your keys available and consider whether you're comfortable with someone else operating your coach. If your motorhome has air brakes, make sure the system is functioning properly as low air pressure can affect handling and may be mistaken for tire problems. Clean the wheels if they're excessively dirty - this allows better inspection and ensures any balancing weights will adhere properly.

Repair Steps

WARNING: Class A motorhome wheels can weigh 80-150 pounds each and are under high air pressure. Only qualified technicians with proper equipment should perform wheel removal and balancing work.

The wheel balancing process for your 1997 Class A motorhome differs significantly from automotive tire balancing due to the wheel size, weight, and construction. The service facility will first remove both front wheels using appropriate safety procedures including wheel chocks, air brake application (if equipped), and heavy-duty jacks rated for your motorhome's weight. Each wheel assembly typically weighs 80-150 pounds, requiring two-person handling or mechanical lifting equipment. The technician will inspect the wheel for damage, corrosion, or existing weight placement before mounting it on the spin balancer. After balancing and reinstallation, proper wheel torque specifications must be verified - typically 450-500 ft-lbs for most Class A motorhomes, though always consult manufacturer specifications.

Heavy-duty spin balancers used for truck tires operate differently than automotive versions. They accommodate 19.5-inch to 24.5-inch wheels and can handle the greater rotational mass of truck tires. The balancer spins the wheel assembly at specific speeds while sensors detect imbalance in both static (up-and-down) and dynamic (side-to-side) planes.wn) and dynamic (side-to-side) planes. For your Class A's front tires, the technician will typically add wheel weights to counterbalance any detected imbalance. They typically use clip-on weights on the rim flanges rather than stick-on weights, as clip-on weights are more secure and less likely to detach from the larger, heavier wheel assemblies.

If balancing doesn't resolve the shimmy, the next step involves front-end alignment inspection. Class A motorhomes use either beam axles with leaf springs or independent front suspension, depending on the chassis. Beam axle systems require alignment of caster and toe angles only, while independent suspension systems also require camber adjustment. The alignment equipment must be capable of handling your motorhome's track width and wheelbase. Specifications for your 1997 Class A should be verified with the chassis manufacturer, as they vary by model and configuration.

During alignment, the technician will also inspect suspension components for wear. Common issues on 1997 Class A motorhomes include worn tie rod ends, ball joints (on independent suspension), leaf spring bushings, and steering dampers. Worn components must be replaced before alignment can be properly set. The steering gear box should be checked for play - excessive play will prevent proper alignment and can cause wandering or vibration. If your motorhome has power steering, the system pressure and fluid condition should be verified as low pressure can affect steering feel and response.

After balancing and alignment work is completed, a comprehensive road test should be performed to verify the repair. The technician should drive your motorhome at various speeds including the problematic 55 mph range, checking for vibration elimination. They should also verify straight-line tracking, steering returnability after turns, and overall handling characteristics. Some facilities may use vibration analysis equipment to quantify improvement and ensure the problem is fully resolved. A final inspection of all work performed, including torque verification of lug nuts to manufacturer specifications, concludes the service.

When to Get Help

SAFETY WARNING: Stop driving immediately if you experience sudden steering changes, tire failure symptoms, or severe vibration. These conditions can lead to loss of vehicle control.

Seek professional service immediately if your 1997 Class A motorhome's shimmy worsens or if you discover any safety-related tire or wheel problems during your initial inspection. Don't continue driving if you find bulges, tread separation, or severe uneven wear on the front tires, as these conditions can lead to sudden tire failure. Similarly, if you notice the steering wheel is severely off-center when driving straight, or if the motorhome pulls strongly to one side, these symptoms indicate alignment problems that could affect your ability to maintain control, especially in emergency situations or adverse weather conditions.

Professional diagnosis becomes essential when the shimmy occurs at multiple speed ranges rather than just at 55 mph, as this suggests more complex problems than simple wheel imbalance. Multiple-speed vibrations can indicate driveline issues, transmission problems, or engine-related vibrations that require specialized diagnostic equipment. If the shimmy is accompanied by steering wheel shake during braking, this points to brake system problems such as warped rotors or uneven brake pad contact that require immediate attention for safety reasons.

Choose a service facility with specific heavy-duty truck and RV experience rather than attempting to use automotive tire shops. Your 1997 Class A requires specialized equipment including heavy-duty tire balancers, alignment systems capable of handling large wheelbases, and lifts or pits designed for commercial vehicles. The technicians should be familiar with air brake systems (if equipped), commercial-grade suspension components, and the unique handling characteristics of Class A motorhomes. Verify that the facility has experience with your specific chassis type - Freightliner, Spartan, or Workhorse - as each has different specifications and common issues.

Consider professional help even for seemingly simple problems due to the complexity and safety implications of Class A motorhome systems. The front-end components on your 27-year-old coach are under constant stress from the vehicle's weight and may have wear patterns that aren't immediately obvious to inexperienced technicians. Professional RV service facilities also have access to manufacturer technical service bulletins and updated specifications that may apply to your specific year and model. They can identify related issues such as steering damper wear, suspension bushing deterioration, or frame problems that might contribute to vibration but wouldn't be apparent during a simple tire balance procedure.