TL;DR: After having minor work done, truck suddenly started vibrating when I turn to the right.

Hi! I'm new here, after google searching this problem and reading some similar threads I decided to post my own with specifics. I also don't know much about cars but I've started trying to learn more ever since I got my truck. So if you have any ideas you'll probably want to explain it to me like I'm 5.

I have a 2002 Ranger Edge with 157,000 miles. Despite being rear ended in August, I have had no issues with it until this week.

When I went to pick it up from the mechanic after having the u-joint done the other day, I noticed a slight vibration every time I make close to a 90 degree right turn. When I first left the lot I thought it was just bumpy asphalt so I didn't think anything of it. It almost feels like the tire tread rubbing against something. Or like when you drive over the rumble strip on the interstate but much less intense. I called the mechanic to see if he noticed it when he test drove it and he said he did and that he thinks it's just my bumper rubbing against the wheel since it's kind of bent from when I got hit. I was skeptical because the bumper isn't that deformed and it wasn't bent toward my wheels at all. The corners got popped out away from the wheels. I included a picture at the very bottom so you can see what I mean. Plus it seems odd to me that I've been driving it for almsot 5 months with a bent bumper and it would just now start causing a problem? I went and took a good look around all the wheels and I can't see anything even remotely close enough to the wheels to rub against the tires, even with the wheels turned to the right.

I'd like to have an idea of what might be causing it so A) I can make a good case to the mechanic since he seems to think it's just the bumper and B) I'll have an idea of whether it's dangerous to be driving it until I get my next paycheck and can fix whatever the problem is.

My limited understanding of vehicles leads me to believe it isn't necessarily related to the u-joint replacement. Could it possibly be a ball joint, bearing or even a power steering issue? How could I check for those things myself?

Here's some history of my truck if it's relevant:

1. Was rear ended at a stop light, pushed me into the car in front of me (August) - no frame damage, mangled my tailpipes and tailgate which was down at the time, slightly deformed the front and rear bumper.
2. New disk brake pads (September)
3. 4 new tires (December 10th)
4. New dual exhaust (December 29th) - to replace the ones damaged in the wreck
5. Rear u-joint replaced (January 2nd)

Please excuse how dirty it is, the roads have been salted nonstop since early december and I haven't washed it

 

Welcome to the forum

Start engine and turn the wheels all the way to the left and all the way to the right while someone or you watch for the tires to hit something.

Notice how far the steering wheel has been turned from straight when you feel the vibration, when stopped turn it that far again, and get out and check position of each front wheel, then push down on front end and see how close tire gets to body, body does lean on corners

Next you will need to jack up front wheels, on at a time, and check for play, pull on the tires, up/down, left/right

Bad ball joint or misalignment will show uneven tire wear, and usually you wouldn't notice a vibration when turning, maybe a cluck now and then with ball joint

 

I'll have to try that sometime. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to have one of my roommates look at it while I'm behind the wheel. Probably cause it's usually dark when I get home from work. Thanks for your help!