Hello folks, 

 

 

My car has developed a rather unnerving, uncomfortable and dangerous steering wobble after 60 mph/100 km/h. Balanced and rotated the tyres to no effect. I'm wondering if out of spec tracking can have a detrimental effect regarding that issue (the wobble seems to be present since the last time I had tracking done). This wobble seems to affect steering only, there's no vibration in any other components (pedals, shift lever, etc). Shocks and struts are in good shape.

 

Suspension wise, I've replaced shock mounts, CV joints and drop links. I'll have the car checked today, but before that I'd like to have your input.

 

Car is a 2007 Fabia hatchback with the 1.4 16v BBZ engine, rough road package and heavy duty suspension.

Hi Juanse, I'm not an expert on suspension but I cannot imagine that your problem could be out of spec tracking - I would think that to give the effect you describe the tracking would have to be so far out you could see it by eye, also you would get horrendously severe tyre-scrubbing, at all speeds, that you should be able to hear. Have you checked for worn / loose steering joints or wheel bearings?

Steering joints seem to be tight as far as I've been able to test. Wheel bearings seem to be healthy. Driveshaft on the right side seems to have a tiny little bit of side to side play, though, so I'll have that checked to rule it out. Also ordered the well renowned Cupra bushes to see if steering feel improves.

Ah, drive shaft! - what does the CV joint sound like when turning tight turning circles? Try in both directions, full lock.

Left side used to have a cracking sound when turning right, then developed an occasional knocking sound when going straight, like when a tyre gets something stuck on. Replaced the CV joints and that was cured, but now on very few occasions there's a sharp knock coming from the right side on full lock, while turning left, under traction, over a bump (like when entering on an elevated driveway) For the knock to appear those conditions have to be met: it has to be under load, on full lock to the left, over a bump. It knocks only once.

Edited 20 January, 20206 yr by juanse_2691

I suspect the problem is one of the CVs again, does that "knock" appear to come from the same side that has some play in the CV? - are you certain that there is no movement in either of the top strut mounts? How long ago were the CVs replaced and do you anything that could be causing unusual wear in them?

4 minutes ago, Warrior193 said:

does that "knock" appear to come from the same side that has some play in the CV?

Yes, it does

 

6 minutes ago, Warrior193 said:

are you certain that there is no movement in either of the top strut mounts?

I have checked and they seem to be solid.

 

8 minutes ago, Warrior193 said:

How long ago were the CVs replaced and do you anything that could be causing unusual wear in them?

That was on last August. I've driven over some pretty bad roads lately, so with the occasional pothole and bump I can't rule anything out. 

16 hours ago, juanse_2691 said:

Suspension wise

The drive shafts have balance weights on them that can come detached...

4 minutes ago, KenONeill said:

The drive shafts have balance weights on them that can come detached...

Good to know. Another thing to check. Thank you very much.

Changed the tyre place, so far, turns out the front left wheel was way out of balance. I have a long-ish trip to do next week so I'll update if something changes.