wheel wobble

[Guest]

Hi, a while back I posted about a violent steering wheel wobble at around 50-60 mph. Some of you kindly posted what you thought mat be the problem. As the MOT was due in early September I thought I would wait and see if they picked up worn track rod ends etc but to my amazement it went straight through! I am pleased it went through but I still have this wobble, as I said before I have changed the wheels and bought 4 new tyres so I could do with some more ideas please? It seems to be when I am going in a straight line and if I turn the wheel to go slightly left or right it seems to go away like i am maybe taking up slack somewhere by turning the wheel? Does anyone live near ish to Torquay so maybe I could pop over and take you for a run to show you?
Thanks again Steve

[LAMBRETTLAD]

Jack the front up spin the wheels are they spinning true?and squarely. On the hubs? This was my problem

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply... I jacked up the front and the wheels ran pretty much true, There was a very slight movement side to side but certainly I have seen a lot worse... I don't think the wheels are the problem as I have changed them already????

[Guest]

I drove it again today and the steering feels notchy around the centre point when you turn the wheel it feels stiff until you start turning and then it is ok. Checked the pas fluid and that is topped up, not sure if the two are connected?

[marshman]

I drove it again today and the steering feels notchy around the centre point when you turn the wheel it feels stiff until you start turning and then it is ok. Checked the pas fluid and that is topped up, not sure if the two are connected?

Don't think the two are related, but for the notchy steering have a look at the universal joint in the steering column. It sits close to the exhaust manifold where the heat does not help and can "dry out" the oil and grease. There is a good chance that it is this that has become a bit stiff, if it has it can cause the symptom you describe. You could try spraying it with some lubricant and winding the steering from lock to lock a few time to free it up - probably best to do this with the front wheels raised up off of the ground.

For the wheel wobble I assume you have tried/checked that the wheels are centred on the hubs - this is done by the wheel bolts and the holes can become enlarged over time. Another trick that has worked for some is to remove the wheels and then refit rotated 90 degrees.

Roger

[Mike E]

I had the same problem in the early days of ownership. Always at 50-60 and quite violent. Turned out to be the tracking was way out and once properly adjusted its been excellent.
I think I would take it somewhere that does the "supertracking" and have it fully looked at for all four wheels. The camber does seem to be a problem on the rear wheels for a lot of cars.
Mike

[LAMBRETTLAD]

If you get really stuck try vibration free in Oxford not cheap but ace

[Hughesy]

I would check the ball joints and re-check the nut tension. MOT should have picked them up if they were worn or marginally loose on the taper fit but then they may not show up? Craig

[marshman]

It is worth checking for play in all the joints and bushes again yourself with the suspension still loaded. This should be done at the mot but sometimes they do jack the car up and take the load off the suspension when they check some joints. Get a good pry bar and try to move all the joints and bushes, also get someone in the car to "wobble" the steering. Don't forget to check the inner ends of the tiebars on the steering rack, hidden by the gaiters and also that the rack itself is securely mounted and tightly clamped.

Rogrr

[Guest]

thanks everyone for the replies... Someone mentioned maybe warped brake discs i guess this could cause the problem? I have bought a set as I thought it would be another thing to rule out. And easy enough to do.
Steve

[zee1]

Hi all I know this thread was from a while ago but I think it has finally been sorted!!!!
I had the tracking sorted which apparently was way out. I also had the wheels force road balanced which is meant to simulate the force of driving on the road???
Anyway I took it for a run after and I only managed to get to 60 ish but it appears to be wobble/vibration free or at the least a hell of a lot better, I guess Stags will never feel as tight as a modern car?? so result!
Steve

[wilf]

Well done, perseverance always pays off.


It is a nice feeling when your Stag drives well, isn't it? If fleeting...............

[zee1]

Your comment was great Wilf.... right up to the time you said......

[DJT]

Glad you've got is sorted now Steve. Hope to meet up sometime soon.

[zee1]

Absolutely Dave I hope to get to more meetings and maybe runs now I can go over 60 without feeling like the car will fall apart!!
Wanted to get to the last meet at Bovey but the Mrs was working!
Never mind see you soon