Juddering steering wheel

[schultz]

Being new to the Terrano. I'm not sure how much movement there should be in the steering. On mine, when I get to about 50 or 60 MPH the steering wheel starts juddering from side to side, although the car still keeps going in the intended direction. It's not too bad under power, but when I slacken off on the accelerator , then it starts bouncing about. Is this normal, or is it a problem?
Thanks, John

 

[rustic]

Juddering of any kind is not normal, it looks like there is some wear or mis-alignement in something.
Ball joints top and bottom, track rod ends, wheel bearings, damaged wheel or tyre, (wheel balance) wear in steering, anti roll bar joints, you need to locate the fault ASAP Start with jacking the vehicle up and place on axle stands and feel for wear in the joints / bearings etc

 

[jims-terrano]

I had a tyre with only a slight swelling actually on the tread cause pretty much the same problem that you are suffering. If your unsure get your tyres checked out. As previously said this is not normal and may indeed be extremely dangerous.

Jim T

 

[rossco]

Jack up the front of the vehicle so as the front wheels are off the ground.

Then on one wheel place one hand at the top of the wheel and the other hand at the bottom making a 6 o'clock position and pull the top and push the bottom at the same time then in the opposite so you are rocking the wheel to see if you get any movement.
This checks the wheel bearings for play.

Then on the same wheel place the left hand on the 9 and the right hand on the 3 ( as on a clock) and repeat as above to see if any play in the steering rods, arms etc..
When you pull in this position the steering wheel should turn straight away and should have no slack movement, so just pull slowly and watch the steering wheel. If any slack you should be able to feel it

Repeat on the other front wheel.

 

[schultz]

Many thanks for the instructions and advice. Will do that when I've put me daughter's car back together
John

 

[schultz]

Have done what Rossco said , and there is play in both front wheel bearings, like it wobbles when pulled in the 12 o'clock / 6 o'clock position.
John

 

[rossco]

Ok, sounds like you need to tighten your wheel bearings ASAP I not sure if there is a download in the workshop but worth a look.
Do you have a manual on it ?

 

[schultz]

I think I've seen something about it on the site, but I also have a manual, so should be ok. Thanks

 

[Deleted Member S]

I did mine not long ago :smile: There is photo's of it in a thread about changing auto hubs to manual hubs in the down loads.

 

[schultz]

Thanks for that Sweetie

 

[schultz]

Just a quick update on the situation. The bearings have been tightened up and this improved matters a bit, still juddering , but not as bad. i had the wheels balanced and the front were 165gramms and 140 out, which the tyre bloke said was a lot. Anyway , he balanced them up to zero reading but still could not guarantee success, he said that these size tyres were very prone to this problem. As the tyre was on the balancing wheel I could see that there was some up and down movement as it span. Result was a fair improvement. but still not perfect. I presume the tyres are damaged, although there is still plenty tread left. What are the best options for new tyres, mainly for road use, but occasionally pulling horse trailer in grassy field?
John

 

[Deleted Member S]

The amount your tyres were out is a lot 8O Just because the tyres are big dose not mean you are going to get more problems (I used to be head tyre fitter in the garage)I've had more probs with low & super low profile tyres ie 235/35R19's. any tyre can break down at any time, sounds if your may be starting to egg :roll: