steering wheel shakes.

wijcc · 6 Aug 2013 at 12:35

Hi guys... I have a 2001 ford focus, recently the steering wheel has started shaking/juddering as i drive. It pulls to the left as well slightly. The drive of car has become a bit bumpy as well i think. Taking it to the garage on sat.. but would like ideas as to what might be causing this please?.
Thanks in advance

Irish_Tom · 6 Aug 2013 at 12:49

Wheel judder is usually (but not always) down to an unbalanced wheel or wheels.

Pulling to one side is a little tricker and there's a process of elimination:

Tyre pressure
Wheel balance
Geometry alignment
Bushes and joints
Other suspension/steering rack issues
Give up

It's possible that you solve both problems with the correct tyre pressure all-round or by getting all four wheels properly balanced.

Havana_UK · 6 Aug 2013 at 13:04

As Irish Tom says steering wheel vibation is most commonly a wheel balance issue, but if it's also pulling to the left then there's probably a tracking issue there too. Add in the "bumpy" ride, and you might have bent something hitting a curb or bouncing over a pothole or speed hump too fast?

wijcc · 6 Aug 2013 at 13:29

thanks guys.. lots to look into. Will see what the garage people say on sat

OpenToSuggestions · 6 Aug 2013 at 14:20

When I got my wheels refurbished I borrowed a set of chavvy 17s for the week.
Over 50mph the steering wheel vibrated violently! Wheels were badly out of balance.

paradigm · 6 Aug 2013 at 14:27

Not mentioned in the thread yet, but pulling to one side coupled with wheel vibration?

Could quite easily be a binding/stuck brake caliper.

Irish_Tom · 6 Aug 2013 at 14:29

paradigm said:
Not mentioned in the thread yet, but pulling to one side coupled with wheel vibration?

Could quite easily be a binding/stuck brake caliper.

Good shout that, forgot about brakes on my list above.

wijcc, do you notice it getting worse or improving under braking?

wijcc · 6 Aug 2013 at 17:48

braking seems normal.. i will try braking without holding onto the steering wheel and see if it is worse or better.
Thanks again guys .

wijcc · 7 Aug 2013 at 11:11

under braking it is the same... so braking makes no difference it seems

Buttkicker · 7 Aug 2013 at 20:24

Irish Toms answer is spot on

wijcc · 15 Aug 2013 at 16:42

its was the tyres.. thanks again guys

Irish_Tom · 15 Aug 2013 at 23:14

Glad you got it sorted.

mjt · 16 Aug 2013 at 00:21

wijcc said:
its was the tyres.. thanks again guys

In what way? Tread, balance, geometry?

Catanonia · 16 Aug 2013 at 11:54

CV Joint worn out. Get them to replace both if it is as the other will go soon too.

Doh, just seen above it was tyres

Nice simple fix.

wijcc · 16 Aug 2013 at 14:49

the front passenger side tyre had developed a bump/bulge on it. Hence the bump shaking of the steering wheel as the wheels spun.

wijcc · 7 Jan 2014 at 18:40

the same problem has reappeared.. the front passenger tyre has developed a bump/warped again. Any ideas to what could be causing this to happen?

The Running Man · 7 Jan 2014 at 18:59

Maybe it's just pleased to see you? Used or part worn tyres involved?

Is it on the outside where it's catching the wing or something when you turn with full steering lock?

wijcc · 7 Jan 2014 at 19:05

ok.. thanks.. will check if the wheel arch lining has deformed or anything

telewebby · 7 Jan 2014 at 20:00

potholes, hitting sppedbumps to hard running into kerbs all could cause bubbles

Alex