2008 Other Volkswagen Models Steering Wheel shudder

EOSLUX

MEMBER
2008 VOLKSWAGEN
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
1,033 MILES

I purchased a new 2008 VW Eos, and after 2 months and 933 miles, I ran over a concrete storm drain damaging the underbelly. The car needed, and has had, around $25,000 of repairs including a new transmission, tie rods, etc. It is my understanding that there was no axel damage. I am trying to decide whether to keep the car or get a new one. It is at the point where it might be classified as a total loss by my insurer. In that event, I might purchase it as a salvaged vehicle or go ahead and get a new one. It would be more economical for me to do the former.

I just got the car out of the shop and have driven it twice. My concern is that when I drive over a series a small bumps in the road at low to moderate speeds, there is a slight shuddering in the steering wheel. What causes this? Is it a serious problem? Should I decide against keeping the the car as a result of it?

PTQ

1 Reply

DR LOOT

MECHANIC
2,311 POSTS

There could be several reasons why the wheel is shuddering:
1. They did not replace all the damage components, tie rods, ball joints, rack con pinion,
2. It needs a front end alignment.
3. They did not properly straighten the frame, and therefore the car is not running down the road straight and when it hits a bump, and the tires come up off the ground they make contact again just a little bit crooked causing the vibration.
In my opinion they did not properly repair the vehicle, returned it to the shop immediately and have them do it right and if not have them declared it a total loss they cannot fix. Once the vehicle has been severely damaged it is very hard to fix it the way it used to be, just like you, if you were to break your leg it would take you long time to recover and you may never walk right again.