Steering issues Driving me Crazy!

[brentasaurous]

Hey peeps.
I have a problem in my VN wagon's steering. The steering wheel shudders occasionally sometimes lasting up to 10 seconds, then stopping, then starting again.

There seems to be no pattern of driving that induces it, it simply begins and stops as it pleases when im driving in any direction or speed.

Ive had 2 wheel alignments - the car drives straight as a (something straight) when i let go, but the steering wheel continues to shudder on and off.

The discs are fine, as it happens at any time not just when i apply the brakes..

I noticed in the latest edition of street machine a bloke complained of the same problem in his VH and the editor suggested replacing some washers on the sides of the steering box or something?

I really have no idea whats going on and dont want to spend money doing things that may not fix the problem (ie more wheel alignments, they dont fix it..)

Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated..

Cheers
Brent

[mouce]

Have you had a look at all the suspension bushes? That would be a good spot to start I reckon.

Any direction or any speed? I wonder if the power steering pump or rack is dying on you for some reason. I know you've said that you had a couple of wheel alignments, have you spoken to anyone from a dedicated steering/brakes shop? They might have an idea.

[Don Sutton]

First we need to identify the type of shudder you are experiencing. As described above you could have:
1] Out of balance wheels.
2] Worn shocks
3] Faulty steering gear or components.

1] Wheel balance usually cause a shake in the vehicle and steering and is usually speed related ie does not occur below a specified speed.
2] Worn shocks can allow a slightly out of balance wheel to start pattering the road and usually causes a floating sensation in the vehicle over undulations.
3] Worn or faulty steering components covers a wider band of problems and can be what is known as shimmy where the wheels shake from side to side - caused by play in the steering or dynamically out of balance wheels which may be in perfect static balance. Such out of balance can cause the vehicle and steering wheel to shake and go in and out of phase as the front wheels encounter different independant speeds such as undulations or bumps or corners. Worn joints can allow a wheel freedom to oscilate dynamicaly. A problem with the power steering can cause what is known as shudder which usually occurs while turning the wheel and does not usually happen while driving straight ahead though it is possible particuarly when the wheel is being held to counter side winds or road camber or wheel alignment problems. This is an old model of steering gear built by TRW and I would suggest you go to a reputable steering specialist.