Steering Wheel Shake
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Steering Wheel Shake
I have a 1977 Corvette, roughly 77k miles.
When I hit a bump, the steering wheel will shake a few times back and forth. Most of the time it will happen for a few seconds and then stop. However, if I am traveling at a higher rate of speed (40+), it shakes and continues until I slow the car down.
Any thoughts on what could cause this shake?
When I hit a bump, the steering wheel will shake a few times back and forth. Most of the time it will happen for a few seconds and then stop. However, if I am traveling at a higher rate of speed (40+), it shakes and continues until I slow the car down.
Any thoughts on what could cause this shake?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 6
I have a 1977 Corvette, roughly 77k miles.
When I hit a bump, the steering wheel will shake a few times back and forth. Most of the time it will happen for a few seconds and then stop. However, if I am traveling at a higher rate of speed (40+), it shakes and continues until I slow the car down.
Any thoughts on what could cause this shake?
When I hit a bump, the steering wheel will shake a few times back and forth. Most of the time it will happen for a few seconds and then stop. However, if I am traveling at a higher rate of speed (40+), it shakes and continues until I slow the car down.
Any thoughts on what could cause this shake?
When was the last time tire wear was checked and when was the last time the wheels were balanced and the suspension was aligned? Based on the topic of your other thread regarding your rear suspension I am assuming you have some things that need attention under the front of the car. In fact based on these two threads I'm worried you are driving a car that is not safe to drive without some maintenance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 34
From: Ontario
If your steering wheel shakes like that you have some loose (worn out) parts up front . Time to get a mechanic to put it on a lift and have a look before something breaks and you are real sorry .
Bill
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Do you have a T&T steering column or a standard (non-adjustable)? It is possible that most of your problem might be broken or loose parts in the steering column. I have a T&T Disassembly & Repair paper that has some quick tests that you can perform to help sort out if you have a steering column problem or not.
Jim
Jim
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa Ontario
I have a 1977 Corvette, roughly 77k miles.
When I hit a bump, the steering wheel will shake a few times back and forth. Most of the time it will happen for a few seconds and then stop. However, if I am traveling at a higher rate of speed (40+), it shakes and continues until I slow the car down.
Any thoughts on what could cause this shake?
When I hit a bump, the steering wheel will shake a few times back and forth. Most of the time it will happen for a few seconds and then stop. However, if I am traveling at a higher rate of speed (40+), it shakes and continues until I slow the car down.
Any thoughts on what could cause this shake?
Get it towed to a repair shop and get the suspension repaired.
Most likely needs ball joints and tie rods. Very unsafe. You are risking your/other lives.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 50
From: Laguna Niguel California
Like several of the above replies have said, get it inspected before you drive it further. If nothing on the front end has been replaced, you're going to need A-arm bushings, ball joints and idler arm. Also have the front crossmember checked for cracked welds.
Good luck, wish you the best.
Bill
Good luck, wish you the best.
Bill
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
I agree with the others. Something sounds worn, or out of adjustment. Since these are 30+ year old cars, and many of us dont know the previous owners maintenance history or parts replacement, this may be a good time to have it checked out for parts wear.
These were good suggestions for you to consider. The ball joints, idler arms and other parts could be checked if you take it to a shop and let them put it on a rack to inspect the suspension.
kdf
These were good suggestions for you to consider. The ball joints, idler arms and other parts could be checked if you take it to a shop and let them put it on a rack to inspect the suspension.
kdf
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 362
Likes: 10
From: nashville tn
the shakes
I have a standard steering column, it shakes 55mph to 70 sometimes intermittant and at different speeds, I have had it to 6 differnt shops, force balanced, balanced and shaved on the car, alighmnet cked by 2 shops. It does ok for a week or so and back to it's old shackes.New ralley rims ( aftermarket) and T/As 255/60 I keep thinking it's rims and or tires, shops disagree. Most recently re-alighned and rebalanced. The caster was way off and does better now but the steering wheel still shakes I suppose it needs some attention, advice? I was told by a couple it was drive line, have a richmond 5 speed installed, double cked drive line and pinion angle, my shifter dosn't shake or vibrate it's like perfect. A
ll new u- joints, shafts checked, New wheel bearing, Fr & Rr ,all front end parts cked and are fairly new, stabilizer bar installed across front cross member. I am most depressed and at a loss. Body bushings, there original.
ll new u- joints, shafts checked, New wheel bearing, Fr & Rr ,all front end parts cked and are fairly new, stabilizer bar installed across front cross member. I am most depressed and at a loss. Body bushings, there original.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
I have a standard steering column, it shakes 55mph to 70 sometimes intermittant and at different speeds, I have had it to 6 differnt shops, force balanced, balanced and shaved on the car, alighmnet cked by 2 shops. It does ok for a week or so and back to it's old shackes.New ralley rims ( aftermarket) and T/As 255/60 I keep thinking it's rims and or tires, shops disagree. Most recently re-alighned and rebalanced. The caster was way off and does better now but the steering wheel still shakes I suppose it needs some attention, advice? I was told by a couple it was drive line, have a richmond 5 speed installed, double cked drive line and pinion angle, my shifter dosn't shake or vibrate it's like perfect. All new u- joints, shafts checked, New wheel bearing, Fr & Rr ,all front end parts cked and are fairly new, stabilizer bar installed across front cross member. I am most depressed and at a loss. Body bushings, there original.
ll new u- joints, shafts checked, New wheel bearing, Fr & Rr ,all front end parts cked and are fairly new, stabilizer bar installed across front cross member. I am most depressed and at a loss. Body bushings, there original.Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19,445
Likes: 353
From: Athens GA
St. Jude Donor '12-'13, '15- '16-'17-'18-'19, '21
Exactly.......
That is why the shake happens when he hits a bump and the front end shifts weight off the lower ball joint and then back on again.
One of these times it will fail and it will go all the way to the ground.
Fix it NOW!
That is why the shake happens when he hits a bump and the front end shifts weight off the lower ball joint and then back on again.
One of these times it will fail and it will go all the way to the ground.
Fix it NOW!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 362
Likes: 10
From: nashville tn
Yes you are correct, sorry and I hope your the only one I offended as you have contributed so much to his issue.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 67
From: Midland Ontario
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Well......as far as addressing the issue Scotty, I sure hope this guy took the sound advice he was given....his post was in February!!!! Hope fully he's still alive....
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 362
Likes: 10
From: nashville tn
[QUOTE=slheinlein;1580040309]I have a 1977 Corvette, roughly 77k miles.
When I hit a bump, the steering wheel will shake a few times back and forth. Most of the time it will happen for a few seconds and then stop. However, if I am traveling at a higher rate of speed (40+), it shakes and continues until I slow the car down.
Any thoughts on what could cause this shake?[/
My apologies, after reading some forum rules I seem to have "Forum Jumped" I hope you get your shake solved, it's very frustrating. I'm computor chanledged
When I hit a bump, the steering wheel will shake a few times back and forth. Most of the time it will happen for a few seconds and then stop. However, if I am traveling at a higher rate of speed (40+), it shakes and continues until I slow the car down.
Any thoughts on what could cause this shake?[/
My apologies, after reading some forum rules I seem to have "Forum Jumped" I hope you get your shake solved, it's very frustrating. I'm computor chanledged
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,239
Likes: 74
From: Palatine, Peoples Republic of Illinois
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I was just reading today about "scrub radius". It has the same symptoms and can be caused by wheel spacers. Any help?
