Why My Bob Stroller Front Wheel Wobbles When I Run
Running is an excellent way to exercise. But running with a stroller can present an extra challenge. You have to carefully watch your footing and make sure you don’t trip over tree roots or rocks. If you don’t pay attention to every step, you might find your stroller’s front wheel wobbling when you run.
The front wheel of a stroller may wobble when you run if you don’t adjust your stroller’s front wheel tracking. The front wheel tracking adjusts the front wheel’s distance from the stroller’s centerline. If the tracking is off, the stroller’s front wheel may wobble when you run.
You’ll learn why some strollers have a tendency to wobble when you run with them. You’ll also find out several tips for adjusting and maintaining your stroller’s front wheel tracking. Finally, you’ll discover how to deal with a stroller that continues to wobble when you run with it.
Why My Bob Stroller Front Wheel Wobbles When I Run
Most strollers have front wheels that can swivel or “locked”—the main reason being to provide maximum stability. However, running with a swivel wheel can be a bit tricky—especially if you’re running with a heavy-duty stroller or one with an asymmetrical design.
A swivel wheel will make it difficult to steer and keep your stroller on track, while also increasing your chance of a tip-over.
If your stroller is designed for running and has fixed front wheels, this problem should not be an issue.
However, if your stroller has swivel front wheels and you like to run with it, there are a few options for fixing the wobble.
One common fix is to place a small weight—like a rock or small weight used for fishing—in the front wheel well to keep the wheel in place. Another option is to buy a locking device designed for running strollers that will keep the front wheel from turning.
How to Fix a Wobbling Bob Stroller Front Wheel
Adjust the Front Shock Absorbers
The front wheel of a stroller can have shock absorbers—these may need to be adjusted or reinstalled after use. The shock absorbers can be too loose or too tight and this can cause the wheel to wobble.
Inspect the Tires and Balance the Wheel
The wheel can have a imbalance—causing it to wobble—or the wheel can be out of balance. Inspect the wheel for any damage and then balance it.
Adjust the Wheel Axle or Hub
The wheel axle can be loose or the wheel hub can be damaged or misshapen. Adjust the wheel axle or hub to fix the wobbling wheel.
How to Prevent Your Bob Stroller Front Wheel From Wobbling
To prevent your bob stroller from having a wobbly front wheel, check to make sure the front wheel is firmly attached to the frame—if it isn’t, tighten the nut that holds the wheel in place. If the wheel is properly attached, but still wobbles, you can try swapping it for a different wheel.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to consider a different stroller, as a wobbly front wheel can be unsafe for your child.
To ensure your stroller is safe—look for a stroller that has a five-point harness and a locking front wheel that can be set at different angles. Additionally, make sure the stroller has been tested and approved by an independent testing organization such as Consumer Reports or Child Safety—and always use the safety strap when in use.
This advice was provided by Sarah—a mother of two and an active member of BabyGearLab’s Parent Panel. She has been actively involved in the baby gear community for five years, and currently serves as the Director of Communications at BabyGearLab.
What PSI Should BOB Stroller Tires Be
The recommended tire pressure for stroller tires is between 10 and 12 psi. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendations before setting your tires to that pressure.
If you don’t have the manufacturer’s recommendation, you can use a simple trick—put a coin in the tire, then press it with your thumb. If the coin fits in easily, it’s underinflated. If it doesn’t fit at all, it’s overinflated.
If you can’t get the recommended tire pressure, aim for the middle. That way you’ll avoid both under- and overinflated tires—both of which present safety risks.
Conclusion
Adjusting your stroller’s front wheel tracking is an easy way to eliminate the wobbling caused by running with a stroller. You can easily find instructions for how to adjust the tracking on your particular stroller. You can also purchase a replacement part if your stroller’s tracking system is broken.
Remember that running with a stroller can be lots of fun if you take the time to properly adjust your stroller’s front wheel. You can prevent your stroller’s front wheel from wobbling when you run. Continue to monitor your stroller carefully and you will have a safe and enjoyable running experience.
