Steering wheel shakes

Tiny
BELIVEAU
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 FORD TAURUS
The steering wheel shakes while driving. It appears to be worse at lower speeds.
Wednesday, December 31st, 2008 AT 2:41 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JGAROFALO
  • MECHANIC
  • 489 POSTS
Sounds like a problem with tie rod ends. But there are other possibilities.

Start by raising one of the front wheels off the ground. See if you can shake the wheel. If it moves in and out along the steering axis only, then it is most likely a tie rod end. If it will move up and down as well, then it is a wheel bearing. Repeat on the other side.

Tie rod parts consist of inner and outer tie rod ends. This is a reasonably inexpensive repair, and for the most part is not out of the scope of DIY.

Wheel bearings require some special tools. The spindle must be removed for replacement, which requires a large socket and breaker bar for the axle nut, and a ball joing seperator for releasing the ball joint stud. From there the bearing is pressed into the steering knuckle and wheel flange. This requires a hydraulic press and fixtures.

Good luck.
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 5:45 PM

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