Steering Wobble

maddog · Post by **maddog** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 6:32 pm

1988 L Series Touring Wagon 1.8 Carb
When accelerating gently through the gears, my steering wheel 'steers' from side to side slightly. This gets worse the faster you get but is worse at certain speeds. It really judders worse when you brake.
I have just replaced both brake rotors, brake pads, both front wheel bearings, both front tyres including balancing. My 14inch rims are not buckled.
Since doing the rotors etc there is now no judder when you brake but the steering 'wander' is still there. The rotors that came off were definately shagged but there is something else not right.
Could it be a warped hub - the bit that the wheels bolt onto?
I have power steering - could this have anything to do with it?
Dodgy Front Strut?
Any clues anyone?

waggaclint · Post by **waggaclint** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 6:35 pm

id be checking your steering rack for exsesive play hey.....

maddog · Post by **maddog** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 6:43 pm

You wouldn't be trying to sell me that power steering setup that you have (or hopefully still have!)....would you?

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 7:27 pm

Tie rod ends would be my first thought.
Also check the play in the rack where the tie-rods connect. The knuckle in the actual rack might be worn, this would need the rack replaced.

waggaclint · Post by **waggaclint** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 7:42 pm

nah mate i no this cause mine was doing the same thing..........

maddog · Post by **maddog** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 7:57 pm

OK - can you give me a price for your rack & pump (mine leaks!) and postage to Jindabyne, NSW, 2627? (remember it's nearly xmas...santa!)

aspro · Post by **aspro** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 8:43 pm

Also check the play in the rack where the tie-rods connect.

My first pick would be this.... thats what caused the same prob on my L...

Excessive play in the steering rack would cause the same..

Makes for a fun drive... I called it pre-emptive steering...
A bit like going 10 pin bowling with the gutter barriers up

BaronVonChickenPants · Post by **BaronVonChickenPants** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 8:45 pm

I've had a similar thing and it was tie rod ends, the ball joint wears and gives slop, if you leave it long enough in theory the ball can come out of the socket, this thought alone was a scary enough concept to make me change mine.

Jordan.

maddog · Post by **maddog** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 8:56 pm

OK - Thanks for your help - My thoughts.....tie rod ends are good, (and both ball joints are new) I reckon the warped rotors have shagged the steering rack joints. Which is a pisser because I put a second hand rack on 6 months ago!
But it would make sense...

D3V1L · Post by **D3V1L** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:12 pm

i aggree with this....although my steering ball joint was fine...my lower drivers side controll arm ball joint did this..i discovered it once i got home from an offroading trip to check out a clunk...i pulled it out of the socket by hand....whoopss

dave

BaronVonChickenPants wrote:I've had a similar thing and it was tie rod ends, the ball joint wears and gives slop, if you leave it long enough in theory the ball can come out of the socket, this thought alone was a scary enough concept to make me change mine.

Jordan.

waggaclint · Post by **waggaclint** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:38 pm

rack and pump $160.00 plus frieght ive got no idea how much it would be id have to look into it.........let me no if ya keen and ill find out for ya........or you could check at your end...

maddog · Post by **maddog** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 5:22 pm

I'll keep you posted - gonna check this weekend...thanks!

waggaclint · Post by **waggaclint** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 6:48 pm

no worries mate....im in no hurry to sell it.....i do no the wreckers in perth want around $500 for a complete set up hey...dont no about over east but...

maddog · Post by **maddog** » Fri Dec 08, 2006 6:00 pm

hi - clint - pm sent!