Re: [tech help required] steering shaking

["Dave Ewing" <rabbit16v@prodigy.net>]

Allyn could be closer on this than me be but I have recently had similar
problems where we found broken steering rack 'U' brackets.  If that isn't
it, maybe the bushings have gone bad.  Check it out before you buy $250 in
parts you don't need.  HTH!!

Dave


> Pat,
>     Ironically, i dont think it can be any of the possibilities you
listed:
> - A-arm bushings: that would cause your car to wander/clunk over bumps,
not
> cause a shutter.
> - rack and pinion: same thing, your shutter can only come from something
in
> motion, i.e. wheels.
>     Sounds like you are down to the following:
> - Bent hub: The most likely problem, due to the problem existing with
> several sets of hubcentric wheels/correct offsets being on the car. The
> reason it changes speeds with different wheel sets is the same reason that
> different wheel sizes with bad balance vibrate at different speeds. Larger
> diameter/heavier wheels cause a shutter at lower speeds. About 70-80 with
> stock 14's, down to 60 with 15/16's. With a bent hub, the wheel doesnt
spin
> true. A very slight bend can cause the equivalent of 3-5 oz unbalance.
This
> unbalance would act as if it was on the outer lip of the wheel, causing
your
> steering wheel shutter.
> - Bad bearing: can do the equivalent of a bent hub. Less likely if you
have
> no bearing noise.
> - Bad outer cv: a more remote possibility, especially if it doesnt do it
at
> low speeds. Your mileage is quite high for original cv's, though.
> - Loose rotor retaining bolt: the phillips head thing between 2 lug holes
on
> the rotor. it needs to be flush with the rotor. if its not, it can cause
> your problem. This is unlikely since the stock vw wheels have holes that
> clear where the bolt would be in the way, but you had the problem with the
> 14's on the car.
>
> Recommendation:
> - Bite the bullet. Get cv's, bearings, hubs from potterman (not too
> expensive, really, each shaft ~$90, each bearing $18, each hub ~$20 (yes,
> they are that cheap)). $250 and you've pretty much made your front end new
> as far as rotating parts goes.
>
> Hope this helps,
> Allyn
>
> Allyn Malventano, ETC(SS), USN
> 87 Rieger GTO Scirocco 16v (daily driver, 170k, rocco #6)
> 87 Jetta 8v Wolfsburg 2dr (daily driver, 260k, 0 rattles, original clutch,
> driveshafts, wheels :)
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "ATS - Patrick Bureau" <pbureau@attbi.com>
> To: "_Scirocco Mailing List" <scirocco-l@scirocco.org>
> Sent: Monday, December 17, 2001 11:28 PM
> Subject: [tech help required] steering shaking
>
>
> > Alright, I have had this problem for a while and I will bore you with
> > details in hopes someone out there has a clue ..
> >
> > for about 4 months between the speed of 60-70MPH I get a left-right
> movement
> > on my steering wheel, if I barely hold the steering, the car continues
to
> > drive straight.
> >
> > At first I though it was a bad alignment and got that redone, I also got
> the
> > original 13" tarantula's checked for balancement and found the wheels
were
> > warped, and performed a change of wheels/tires during my trip through OH
> > (thank you again Ben Harper) , Now the shaking still existed but as
less,
> > once I got to Texas, I exchanged the 14" teardrops/tires for 15x7 ATS
Cups
> > with 205/50 tires on it, the "left-right shaking" has now become more
> > pronounced between 60+ MPH speed, below that the "shaking" is lesser
> > noticeable.
> >
> > Spring and shocks where replaced 4 months ago, with new sets, alignment
> was
> > done 2 months ago.
> > this is a 149500 Miles 85 8v Scirocco. and the lack of any knowledgeable
> VW
> > water-cooled mechanic is becoming a concern.
> >
> > I also would like to add that sometimes when I jump into the Rocco, and
> just
> > ride her out while she is still "cold" the steering is a little
sometimes
> > (intermittently) stiff on the left turning side, the car has never
pulled
> in
> > any direction while driving it.
> >
> > if anyone would suggest things to check, I am afraid that it could be a
> > number of items that would require to be changed, but I think my
> conclusion
> > would be A-Arm bushings, direction tables, and lastly my rack and pinion
> > (power steering) that could be in need of replacement.
> >
> > Any though would be appreciated.
> > as well as any known Dallas area Mechanic to perform a proper diagnostic
> on
> > the subject.
> >
> > ATS - Patrick Bureau
> > 85 8v prowler orange Rocco
> > ===============================
> > Domain Back up ! and Functional!!!
> > http://longcoeur.com/scirocco
> > ===============================
> >
> >
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> >
> >
>
>
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