B'Jamin

Yup, another "steering wobble" question. However, there are no sounds, squeeks, thuds, shimmies, etc... No wear on the tires, and the car tracks straight down the road. But, while driving, I can wobble the steering wheel back and forth about 1/2" each way, and there's no response.

So, I took the car to the dealer to have them inspect it for obvious problems, re: Tie Rod Ends, Steering Rack, etc... They came back and said that everything looks good. No problem with the TRE's, the Steering Rack is not leaking, and all the boots are good. They suggested that the bushings in the steering column could be the problem. Obviously, they didn't "inspect" the steering column.

Anyone have any experience with a problem like this? My '01 has about 140k on it, and I haven't replaced anything related to the steering/suspension on it. tia.

BEN

Kris Hansen

Pretty easy to see.. Just drop the lower dash, and then try to turn the wheel. If you see the column moving, and the wheels NOT moving, inspect the rack. Conversely, if you can lift the car, and get BOTH wheels to move equally, and the steering wheel does not turn, same deal.

Now, where you see the steering column end at the carpeting under the dash, that's actually the connection to the steering rack. If you see play right there, I'd say the rack/pinion is worn at dead center, possibly missing a tooth if you have a lot of play. If that moves consistently with the wheels side to side, check for play at the U joint.

Questions for you.. If you turn the wheel to either side, do you still get this same play?

Silver Streakin'

I would replace the TREs. even those can look fine, but internally be worn/broken.

Chard

2nd. i had the same symptoms and TREs were bad.

B'Jamin

Yup, same play to the left and right. I think I overestimated the amount of play in my first post. It's probably 1/2" total play, not 1/2" in both directions. I can't imagine there's a missing tooth in there. I haven't played around to see if the wobble is present while cornering, or if it's just dead center. If the wobble went away while cornering, would that change the diagnosis?

I expected the TRE's, especially with 140k on them. But, maybe I put too much faith in a dealership tech...? Everyone recommends the S4 ones, right? Thanks,

BEN

Chard

yep, S4 TREs if you end up changing them. with 140k, i would.