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Steering Issue!, steering wheel and tires wobbling

2K views 10 replies 6 participants last post by  THISISWEIRD 
#1 ·
I'm kind of shaken up already as I just test drove my new 2001 XK sport. When I put it in 4hi and tried to make a complete turn (like a cul-de-sac, almost full lock) the wheels and my steering wheel started wobbling back and forth violently. I figured that was simply the front tires grabbing at pavement at low speeds. but then I put it back in 2WD and tried the same maneuver the wheels and steering started wobbling like crazy again. am I just over reacting or is this a serious problem? This is at low speeds mind you not the 40-50mph "death wobble"

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
You shouldn't be using 4hi on the pavement, you can easily break an axle. and for the wobbling you should check all your bushings. especially the trac bar bushings. also check that the tierod ends are tight with no play. the best method for this would be to lay under the front of the vehicle, and watch all the components as someone else turns the steering wheel back and forth. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND DON'T LET YOUR SIX YEAR OLD SISTER RUN OVER YOU DURING THIS PROCESS. Be sure to let someone with some common sense help you.
 
#3 ·
alright the damn thing just ran 12 hours straight from chicago to ATL, everythings hot as hell, you can barely touch the hood, but the weird thing is my pops said there wasnt any of that movement yesterday before the trip. idk well see. maybe something rattled loose during the drive down.
 
#4 ·
when you say wobbling is your steering wheel sort of jerking out of your hands when you make a sharp turn. I had a problem like this once it was the u joint in the front axle I also noticed that if I jacked the front tires off the ground, turned the steering wheel, then tried to spin the wheels by hand the wheel would try to striaghten out because of the u joint bind.

well something to consider anyway
 
#6 ·
ok thanks a lot for your help guys. Ill check out all of your suggestions tomorrow morning. If we are still stumped we just may take it to a jeep specialist around here and see if they have any clue. hopefully I can pinpoint the solution. and yes the steering wheel does jerk itself out of my hands as your described maybe it is that u joint.

thanks again!
 
#8 ·
I have "reviewed" my owners manual. and thanks for picking such a discreet way in which to say good job jack***. but anyways, Ive been doing some research and looking under the car and am thinking that the issue may be the differential not going back into 2WD. just a thought.
 
#10 ·
appreciate the help
 
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