Steering Vibration, Road Wheel Shimmy-Wobble

Vibration through the steering linkage powerful enough to induce high frequency oscillation of the steering wheel, is generally caused by out of balance road wheels.

However there are a number of other possible causes of this symptom which if severe, may be described as shimmy or wobble. Regardless of the terminology used by the owner/driver to describe the symptoms, the following diagnostic checks should be carried out in the order presented.

1. Check the tires and balance of the road wheels.
2. Check the steering hydraulic damper function.
3. Check steering column universal joints for wear and correct alignment, refer to Steering Shaft.
4. Check steering linkage ball joints for wear, correct alignment and security, including steering box and tie rod.
5. Check all front suspension rubbers for wear.
- Check all fixing torques, including radius arm bushes, panhard rod and anti-roll [sway] bar
6. Install new radius arm bushes, use new nuts, bolts and washers.
7. If problem persists install damper kits STC 241 (2 off front) and STC 1474 (2 off rear) or equivalents.
- Road test vehicle.
8. Check the steering gear adjustments and operation.
9. Check the hub bearing end floats and determine the condition of the hub bearings as applicable, refer to Transmission and Drivetrain.
10. Check the resistance and condition of the swivels (steering Knuckles).
- If problem is not diagnosed: Repeat checks starting at 1.
11. Carry out a full steering geometry check.