Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting jerky steering wheel

Here's the problem...my steering wheel jerks left or right pretty hard sometimes while I'm driving. It almost feels as if one of the tires suddenly goes sideways or something. I feel as though I don't have as good control over the steering as I used to, like even though I have a good grip on the steering wheel I can feel the front wheels shimmy/wobble a bit as if they want to turn one direction or another. I assume it is steering related? It doesn't go the same direction every time either. And it yanks harder sometimes too. I had a 4-wheel alignment today but that didn't help. I've had the problem for about 2 weeks now. Anyone have any clues? my first guess is a bad rack, maybe the valving is screwed up or something... arrghhh i don't feel like taking it to the dealer!

hmm.....they are called pot holes learn to avoid them..

seriously, my guess is a loose lug nut?

I don't know, but I've had broken tie rods that caused the same symptoms. But, for all I know, you could have a problem with the rack. Whatever it is, it isn't supposed to jerk in any direction without input from the driver and/or road surface. The shop where you had it aligned should have noticed any problems with the suspension, but you can always check. Jack up the car so one of the front wheels is off the ground. With the wheels facing straight, grab the "free" wheel at the top and bottom. There should be a little amount of play. More than that, and you got problems. Do the same thing with your hands on either side. You should get the same results. Please note that I am NOT a mechanic, unless there is a shade tree close by. Whatever, get a second opinion. Problems with Steering, Brakes, and Fuel systems should always be investigated ASAP! You don't want to become a statistic.

what kind of condition are your tires in? are they wearing evenly? how about the air pressure?

Does it do it when you hit bumps? The rear link in my car had a lot of play in it and would send the car shooting off to one side. I had three different shops look at my alignment before someone caught it.

The tires are new, and their pressure is 32 all around. It's been doing it for a while but I thought it was normal (being front wheel drive). It's also gotten progressively worse with my new wider tires (now picking up more bumps and potholes in the road). I'll jack it up today and see if I can move the wheels at all. It's definitely not a loose lugnut, I've had the wheels on and off at least 4 times in the past week and still the problem is there. It is really only a problem after I hit a bump, and not every time. It seems as though when the car hits a bump it knocks the wheel(s) out in the direction of the bump, then I have to fight the steering wheel against it for about 5 seconds...then it's fine after that. It's definitely not normal though. I could straighten the wheel after it is yanking itself, and it would drive right off the road if I let it...still pulling hard by itself. But it's odd because it's fine after like 5 seconds or so. Oh well, I'll call the dealer today. My guess is 1) bad rack, or 2) bad tie rod(s). My service dealer is 2 hours away from me so it's a pain in the ass. I'm gonna try taking it to a closer dealer and hope they have a rental for me. My service dealer is convenient because he's got an Enterprise Rent-A-Car shop right in the dealership and my warranty pays for it. Thanx for the input guys!

Wow I thought I was the only one that had this problem. in 96 I got a lot of front end damage front a Lincoln town car encounter while my car was parked up until this day I still have front end steering problems. Currently when traveling 60-80mph the steering gets very light and the steering wheel seems the move on its own minutely to the left and right as the car tracks the pavement. This might be called feed back or steering feel but must say it keeps me below 85 for it feels as if I am losing steering control where the car steers itself instead if me steering the car. I was thinking of reducing the power steering level but have not do so as of yet.

Any suggestions are welcome.

check your control arm bushings. mine are trash, and feel like this.

I've got an appointment for Tuesday at my dealer (the 2hr away one) so we'll see what happens. I'll keep you guys posted if they find a cure. Thanx again for the input!