The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

Hey guys.

I have a weird vibration in my steering wheel when I hit bumps and potholes on these beautiful Pennsylvania roads. Normal driving there is no issue, but when I hit a bump, you can actually see and feel the wheel shake.

I had the car on a lift and checked the front end, and nothing jumped out at me as needed to be replaced, but I'm not an expert.

Sure, the car is 18 years old, and has 65k miles on it. Front suspension consists of Konis, Strano springs, bmr sway circa 2001 and everything else is stock. I checked the ball joints, and they all seemed ok. I did the wheel check where I rocked it and it seemed pretty tight to me.

So thoughts? I have no problem replacing all of the front end components, if they need to be, but would hate to spend the time and money and not resolve the issue.

jaxcam02

iTrader: (1)

Maybe the steering knuckle is working its way loose or bumps are causing extreme deflection? IDK maybe give it a look.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

One thing I didn't check was the steering rack bushing, which would make sense if it was trashed, that I'd be getting vibration in the steering wheel when I hit bumps.

Might be time to order this....

https://ls1tech.com/forums/new-produ...gm-f-body.html

pdxmotorhead

tie rod ends can't have any play.. basically 0.. Also if your toe is off it will cause some fun..

RockinWs6

When my v6 Camaro had too much neg camber it acted very odd on any kind of bump or ripples in the road. Would shake the wheel back and forth. About drove me nuts. Frt Springs are sagged down from old age 98. I adjusted the camber back up to 0 and set the toe just a hair in and its like driving a Lambo now.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

I have some friends over at the local Goodyear who are car guys/f-body guys, and they looked over my front end. I'm taking the car to get my annual inspection soon, and I'll replace the steering rack bushing then, and do a front end alignment at the same time. I'll pick up some replacement tie rod ends as well as they are cheap and easy to swap. Hopefully those things will minimize my front end vibration.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

So I took the car for a drive this weekend, and I think things were a little better, but that's because it was warmer.

I think I'm going to order up new Moog bushings for the front lower control arms, go back to the factory springs, and see how the car feels.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

So on a hunch, I went and grabbed the steering shaft, and tried moving it, and sure enough, there is play in it. Is this normal? The bolt is tight, it's appears to be moving inside the steering column.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

Figured it out. It's a bad steering shaft bearing, which is easily replaceable. Part ordered, so I'll post an update after it gets swapped.

_JB_

iTrader: (33)

You talking about the stock plastic bushing? You can pick up an actual bearing as a replacement, lots of 3rd gen people do.

RockinWs6

That is worn wow, I'll have to look at both of mine.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

That's exactly what I did. I had to order it, but it should make a big difference going from the plastic to a metal bearing.

_JB_

iTrader: (33)

Cool. I didn't notice much difference but my stock plastic wasn't nearly as worn out as yours.

1bdbrd

iTrader: (12)

Never knew that was a problem area. i have the same loose steering issue that you do so if you could post up some pics and part numbers of what you used that would be great. I tried a search but haven't found anything just yet.

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

So the replacement bearing is used on so many different GM vehicles as old as the mid 60s.

The part is GM #7805700.

I'll take some pics when I get the part this week.

RockinWs6

Here is the entire kit http://www.steeringcolumnservices.co...earing-kit.php Link to install instructions http://www.steeringcolumnservices.co...stallation.pdf

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

I'm just hoping I can fit my arm in there, and do this swap as painlessly as possible. I'll remove the coil packs, plug wires, and hopefully that'll give me enough room to get this done.

I'll follow up with my results this week.

taman86

iTrader: (19)

Whoa......never would've thought

The Alchemist

iTrader: (19)

The car certainly drives far better than before, but it's not perfect. With the strano springs, which are higher rate, and 20 year old bushings, you have to expect some vibration and feedback in the wheel.

I plan to go back to the factory springs, with the Koni's since the car is purely 100% a street cruiser, so I don't need the higher spring rates. That will help, and I will most likely replace bushings as well.