Steering issue

[Pomorza]

Hey mates

While driving back home from work today I was forced to brake hard on the freeway (basically went from 75 to 30 in a rather short distance). When I reapplied the gas my car jerked, as if one of the wheels was loose. Confused I braked hard a few more time (making sure no one was near by) and long and behold the car does the same thing again. The best way I can explain this is the car literally jerks to the left when I reapply the gas. When I got home I pulled the front wheels off. The drivers side seems quite normal with no movement, but the passenger's side I can move the wheel a few inches in each direction (left and right) as if the rack has a LOT of play. Any one experience this before? I'm going to have it looked at this weekend but as for now I'd like some advice.

Thanks

Jan

[Zed Head]

How about the TC rod? The wheel would move more forward and backward, rather than rotating, or both at the same time. Maybe you damaged a TC rod bushing or the rod is broken.

[Pomorza]

Update.

So this morning my car has a new annoying and rather terrifying symptom. At highway speeds - above 60 - the steering wheel will vibrate left and right but only sometimes. One moment the ride is nice and smooth and the next the wheel is vibrating and there is also a vibrating noise, which sounds like its in the steering wheel or shaft. Its bad enough that I feel kind of unsafe driving it on the freeway now.

Zed. I had the car up in the air last night and pulled on the TC rod and inspected the busing. It looks fine but I could always be wrong. I'll update you guys when I know more.

Thanks

Jan

[cbuczesk]

Take some pictures for us. Maybe something will jump out. If the wheel turns side to side then it's probably the tie rod or rack. Make sure the two bolts holding the steering knuckle to the strut assembly are present and tight. I had them come loose on my race car. I noticed a vibration/shimmy at 100mph and above.

I broke a TC rod on my street Z. I noticed a clunking from the front and some funky steering.

Grab the top of the tire and pull back and forth to see if it moves in and out. Get another set of eye to look around while you move the wheel. If it's moving that much it should be obvious.

Chuck

[tlorber]

Ball joint?

[cbuczesk]

If the ball joint lost some bolts or is severely worn then that could be the culprit. There aren't too many things that it can be. I wish I was closer so I could have a look.

Chuck

[Pomorza]

Chuck

I grabbed the tire from the top and it doesn't really budge. When I grab it at 9 and 3 it moved a bit and makes a clunking noise from the engie bay area (or basically straight ahead of the wheel. I'm going to take it to a shop this afternoon as I don't really feel safe driving it at this moment. Could it be a bad/loose rack bushing?

Jan

[cbuczesk]

Hmmm...I guess it could be a loose bushing or missing rack clamp on the right side. Drive carefully!

Chuck

[rossiz]

i agree w/cbuczesk - check the rack clamps & bushings. mine were in place but very worn and when i turned the wheel back/forth w/the car parked to load the rack in either direction, i could look down into the engine bay and see the rack lifting up & down 3/4" and side-side the same amount.

made for very sloppy steering and a wiggly steering wheel at certain speeds.

[cbuczesk]

Any news?

Chuck

[Captain Obvious]

I was figuring with that much play at the wheel, it should be pretty easy to spot?

I've been waiting for the outcome.