Steering Wheel Jerking From Side-To-Side
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: CA
Steering Wheel Jerking From Side-To-Side
Why is it that at 35mph or less, my steering wheel is unstable and uncontrolled, jerking a few centimeters to the left and right constantly (without my hands on the wheel, of course).
But when driving at speeds greater than 35mph, it disappears.
Is it because of the sudden cold weather (around 50 degrees), the fact that my SUV was parked in an airport lot for 10 straight days, or because of normal wear and tear (65,000 miles racked)?
I'm taking it to the dealer first thing Monday, but I'd still appreciate input. Thanks!
But when driving at speeds greater than 35mph, it disappears.
Is it because of the sudden cold weather (around 50 degrees), the fact that my SUV was parked in an airport lot for 10 straight days, or because of normal wear and tear (65,000 miles racked)?
I'm taking it to the dealer first thing Monday, but I'd still appreciate input. Thanks!
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 669
Likes: 3
From: Montreal, QC
probably not wheel balance, as that will be more noticable at highway speeds.
sounds more like a broken belt in one of your front tires. rotate front to rear and see what happens, if it solves it, then one of your rear tires should be addressed
sounds more like a broken belt in one of your front tires. rotate front to rear and see what happens, if it solves it, then one of your rear tires should be addressed
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: WI
My thoughts are pretty much same as above posters, definitely a tire related issue. Just by chance, have you hit a severe pot hole, slid into something or anything of the such that could have done some damage to the wheel, tire, front end component, etc?
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 409
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From: WI
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CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,533
Likes: 1,379
From: Austin, TX
If it has been parked for long in cold, you need to drive it a bit to warm up the tires. This will fix the flat spot. If you still get the shake at certain speeds, then have the wheels dynamically balanced [look for shops which use hunter machine to balance].
If you are getting warranty service from dealer, then visit the dealer, else a tire shop would be lot cheaper.
Salim
If you are getting warranty service from dealer, then visit the dealer, else a tire shop would be lot cheaper.
Salim
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 669
Likes: 3
From: Montreal, QC
it was stated that it was slow speeds, so it wont be a balance issue, nor does a balance issue jerk your steering wheel.
a broken belt in one of the front tires will jerk the steering wheel at the indicated speeds.
rotate front to back and drive.
a broken belt in one of the front tires will jerk the steering wheel at the indicated speeds.
rotate front to back and drive.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: CA
thanks for the advice
I was able to get an appointment for tomorrow. I will be doing a drive test to show the advisor what I am experiencing.
I will let you know what is diagnosed.
Thanks for the great advice.
Hopefully I can use my extended warranty on whatever it is. I also bought my front tires from the dealer a few months ago, and I remember my advisor telling me there was a warranty on the tires as well.
Thanks!!!
I will let you know what is diagnosed.
Thanks for the great advice.
Hopefully I can use my extended warranty on whatever it is. I also bought my front tires from the dealer a few months ago, and I remember my advisor telling me there was a warranty on the tires as well.
Thanks!!!
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,533
Likes: 1,379
From: Austin, TX
You may hav good reason to purchase tires for you RX from the dealer, but the markup is huge for identical tires. Price it out for reference.
Glad your problem has been diagnosed and taken cre off. And thanks for posting the conclusion.
Salim
Glad your problem has been diagnosed and taken cre off. And thanks for posting the conclusion.
Salim
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