Thread: steering wheels can jump out of your hand

DW - death wobbles.
Plenty of threads on the topic
Time to check your steering components: All of them. You'll need an assistant, and a method to suspend both wheels off the ground. All 4 balljoints, shock absorber & mounts, both arms and both swivels. You'll need to drop both the drag link (wheel-ps box) and tie rod (wheel-wheel) to check preload. And check the power steer box is bolted tight to the chassis and to the panhard rod.

It's the combined wear in these components that causes the steering wheel to go beserk, not necessarily a malfunctioning steering damper. ( A lot of people don't use them and are perfectly happy with the handling).

It's not complicated work and the parts aren't expensive - but it will take a bit of time and effort (And a RAVE manual) to get it right.

Originally Posted by langy

DW - death wobbles.
Plenty of threads on the topic.

Have searched death wobbles, could not find anything else i can use to find these threads. thanks

Try:-

shimmy, steering, swivels, vibration,

The problem you describe is most likely due to inadequate damping or free play somewhere in the steering. As langy comments, don't expect a single cause - it will most likely be a combination of minor problems. The most likely principal problem is the swivel bearings or their preload, but this will be exacerbated by free play anywhere in the steering or front or rear suspension, especially the panhard rod, and incorrect toe-in/out may be a contributor, but this cannot be corrected until all free play is removed.

John

ok as a mechanic, pet hate.

PEOPLE WHO BLAME THEIR STEERING DAMPER FOR STEERING WOBBLE...

its like blaming the goal keeper for the opposition scoring while ignoring the fact that to get the ball in the net they had to get past 10 other players before they got past the goalie to put the ball on the boards.

most likely causes are a wheel out of balance along with some play in the bearings and swivels.

if you just keep replacing dampers and rubbers without fixing the initial cause all you're doing is hiding the cause and burning up the dampers.