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Steering wheel rocks to and fro

Old Jan 25, 2017 | 10:25 AM
  #1  
JazzDad's Avatar
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From: TEXAS
Steering wheel rocks to and fro

Hello, Youtubers. No, wait - wrong place.

At slow speeds the steering wheel goes left and right, especially in corners. As the speed increases, this wobbling goes away. I lifted the vehicle, and the LCA bushings all seem tight, and there is no play in either tie rod end. Rack boots are intact, with no sign of leakage. The tires seem round (spun and gauged against the bottom of the strut). I detect no tread separation. No unusual tire wear at this point. The rotors don't appear to be warped, which (methinks) would present itself at higher speeds and with brake application.

Thoughts?
Old Jan 25, 2017 | 10:44 AM
  #2  
donbrew's Avatar
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The steering wheel moves? Not the car wandering?
Old Jan 25, 2017 | 10:48 AM
  #3  
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Did you check the lower ball joints? Is the steering wheel centered or does it sit off-centre when going straight down the road?

How about the play in the hubs? Any up and down slop? Or any noise from the hubs while driving?

When I had a lower ball joint that got sloppy and needed replacement, the steering wheel went off-centre (towards the opposite side of the worn ball joint).

Have you done any front end repairs/replacements in the last year?
Old Jan 25, 2017 | 11:00 AM
  #4  
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The engine is too big and heavy.

Honestly, his profile list shows a HHR with a V12.
Old Jan 25, 2017 | 11:09 AM
  #5  
donbrew's Avatar
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Maybe that's on the work truck?
Old Jan 25, 2017 | 11:45 AM
  #6  
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I'm gonna suggest the hubs, however the LCA rear bushings can be deceiving!
Old Jan 25, 2017 | 12:24 PM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by firemangeorge
the engine is too big and heavy.

Honestly, his profile list shows a hhr with a v12.
texas! Lol
Old Jan 25, 2017 | 12:27 PM
  #8  
donbrew's Avatar
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I can't think of anything that would cause the steering wheel to wobble, except the toe or caster being way off.
Old Jan 25, 2017 | 01:08 PM
  #9  
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Or the steering rack loosened up big time!
Old Jan 25, 2017 | 01:15 PM
  #10  
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Did you check the inner and outer tie rod ends?

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