Steering Wheel Shudder
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 38
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From: Sutherland VA
Steering Wheel Shudder
While driving recently I noticed a sudden shuddering or wobble in the steering wheel when taking my foot off the pedal. It has done it twice and only lasts a few seconds. I looked at the front discs and they appear straight, just wondering if my steering rack is the issue or if it is (hopefully) a simple bushing. Any advice on what to look at? Would a wheel alignment be the issue?
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,583
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From: Oman
While driving recently I noticed a sudden shuddering or wobble in the steering wheel when taking my foot off the pedal. It has done it twice and only lasts a few seconds. I looked at the front discs and they appear straight, just wondering if my steering rack is the issue or if it is (hopefully) a simple bushing. Any advice on what to look at? Would a wheel alignment be the issue?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31,279
Likes: 4,248
From: Philly PA
You might need to have a look at the wheel bearings ,
what happens is that the lower inner seating surface of the inner bearing seat surface of the spindle wears down,
This happens because the metal is not made of very hard metal..
The only real fix is to replace the spindles and bearings.
So in the mean time have a look at the wheel bearings and make sure they are properly adjusted,
take the washer out and surface it, as well as the nut surface with 400 grit paper.
Have a look at the spindle surface to see the amount of deformity,
get a new set of bearings and test fit to see the actual play.
NOTE the outer bearing surface will also wear some ,
but the greatest wear will occur on the lower inner seat.
NOTE regrease the bearings, then fit and adjust them ,
make sure the washer is able to be pushed with slight screwdriver pressure after you have spun the hub to seat the bearings and the grease.
NOTE not prying the blade tip against the washer.
NOTE you may have to readjust the bearing nut after some miles.
NOTE the most important thing is that you do not tighten the the bearing nut to try to remove the play.
all this will do is cause excessive heat and wear to the bearings and spindle ,
and if you make the nut tight enough the outer bearing can seize on the spindle.
IOW the play will be their and it is OK, just make sure the washer is able to be moved with screwdriver tip pressure.
NOTE this play will be most noticeable when reversing then moving forwards again,
as the rotor will move the brake pads , or when on a lift and the 12/ 6 direction is being checked.
a slight amount of the play will be felt.
what happens is that the lower inner seating surface of the inner bearing seat surface of the spindle wears down,
This happens because the metal is not made of very hard metal..
The only real fix is to replace the spindles and bearings.
So in the mean time have a look at the wheel bearings and make sure they are properly adjusted,
take the washer out and surface it, as well as the nut surface with 400 grit paper.
Have a look at the spindle surface to see the amount of deformity,
get a new set of bearings and test fit to see the actual play.
NOTE the outer bearing surface will also wear some ,
but the greatest wear will occur on the lower inner seat.
NOTE regrease the bearings, then fit and adjust them ,
make sure the washer is able to be pushed with slight screwdriver pressure after you have spun the hub to seat the bearings and the grease.
NOTE not prying the blade tip against the washer.
NOTE you may have to readjust the bearing nut after some miles.
NOTE the most important thing is that you do not tighten the the bearing nut to try to remove the play.
all this will do is cause excessive heat and wear to the bearings and spindle ,
and if you make the nut tight enough the outer bearing can seize on the spindle.
IOW the play will be their and it is OK, just make sure the washer is able to be moved with screwdriver tip pressure.
NOTE this play will be most noticeable when reversing then moving forwards again,
as the rotor will move the brake pads , or when on a lift and the 12/ 6 direction is being checked.
a slight amount of the play will be felt.
