Hi all,

I've got a weird issue that's stumped all my friends, and I'm hoping one of you can help me figure out what it is.

Sometimes when I turn right, the steering wheel vibrates and stiffens up. I've tried it at a few different speeds and RPM, and here's what I found:

• it never happens when I turn left
• it happens around 30-35 mph (so jughandles, on ramps, slight veering to the right on a local road)
• it happens whether I'm maintaining speed, accelerating, decelerating, or braking
• I notice it more around 3000 rpm

When it happens, it almost feels like someone is pulling the wheel in the opposite direction I'm going, or like the power steering gives out momentarily. The fluid is at a good level, but I'm going to do a flush at the next chance I get (and hope that solves it!). I'm thinking it's something closer to the front passenger-side wheel rather than power steering setup because it only happens when going right. I don't recall hitting any heinous potholes, but I am in Jersey (need I say more?).

Other specs, in case they're at all relevant... 2003 base model with VLSD swapped in, 4.08 final drive gear ratio, BBS 17's, stock ride height, no coilovers, had control arm bushings replaced a year ago, 130K miles.

Thanks in advance!!

 

hey brownie, long time no see. sounds like you need to check/replace your wheel hub or wheel bearings.

 

I was thinking this could be a mass of issues.
LCA bushings, inners/outers etc... Could be a bent tie,
Prob also need all struts replaced.

 

What's the frequency of the vibration?

You say it happens around 3k on the engine. Does it matter which gear you're in?

Have you checked the belt tension to make sure it's not slipping on the power steering pump pulley?

 

Have you done anything to isolate the problem or fix the car?

 

Hey guys,

Thanks for the suggestions! I jacked it up yesterday to see if there were any obvious problems... all I found so far is that the lug nuts weren't as tight as I like and the wheel well was loose because the pop clips (?) are falling apart.

Frequency of the vibration - not sure what you mean here, it's a low rumble if that helps.

Gear - I've noticed it in all gears as long as the speed is above 30.

Belt tension - didn't think of that! I'll check it out though.

LCA bushings, inners/outers etc... bent tie, struts - Upgrade time! LCA bushings were replaced about a year ago and they created a different vibration, like the steering wheel shook violently when I hit 83 mph going straight. Tie rod could be it... Inners/outers, afraid you lost me there.

Check/replace your wheel hub or wheel bearings - will do. I just googled wheel bearings and the descriptions I'm finding are very much in line with the problems I'm having.

(PS Boomer - looking forward to seeing you at a meet one of these days!)