Steering Wheel Vibration

[dah_man_ben]

Hi. Just wanted to know if anybody knew what was going on with my VYII Berlina...

Whenever I go over bumps in the road (ie. Dips, Potholes etc), the steering wheel gets a lot of vibration feedback and if you don't hold it, you can actually see it vibrate by itself. The whole column seems to vibrate including the indicators and wipers. I'm not talking about huge movements, just annoying road vibrations that are a lot more than should be expected. It is as though the steering wheel lock thing hasn't been locked into place... however if you try to move the steering wheel by itself, it won't budge.

I have driven my step dad's VY Exec and also my Uncle's VY Berlina, and both feel very sturdy at the wheel when going over bumps - you can barely feel any vibration. I have noticed this issue since I purchased the car back in August, as my previous VS Commodore didn't vibrate.

I have tried to unlock the steering wheel, move it around a bit then lock it back into place in all different positions... nothing seems to work.

Thanks, Ben

[87LAG]

Mine is doing exactly the same thing but is a vx any info would be good ppl

[87VLCALAIS]

I can think of two things that could cause this.

1. Out of balance tyres.

2. Warped brake disks. This is a common problem on Commodores. One way to check if the disks are warped is to drive on a section of smooth road at about 50 k and light apply the brakes. If the disks are warped you will feel a pulsing vibration thru the steering wheel.

[dah_man_ben]

I can think of two things that could cause this.

1. Out of balance tyres.

2. Warped brake disks. This is a common problem on Commodores. One way to check if the disks are warped is to drive on a section of smooth road at about 50 k and light apply the brakes. If the disks are warped you will feel a pulsing vibration thru the steering wheel.

Mate, it wasn't balance... I got new bridgestone tyres and balanced and it still does it a bit... but not as bad as before.

The rotors are not warped - that kinda thing is only prevalent when braking and my discs have been machined and show no sign of warp.

[Sean880]

I would guess you have some significant deterioration in the steering rack and/or front suspension because that kind of vibration and feedback through the steering wheel is obviously not normal. I would be taking the car to a competent steering/suspension specialist and having it checked out saspo.

[shaune_m]

My Acclaim has the same issue and in my case i need new front rotors. If possible get front end checked out to ensure no issues in regards to steering components/ bushes etc.
Cheers

[dah_man_ben]

Yeah cheers mate, don't think its rotors as I have no shuddering during braking (recently machined rear and front rotors).

My mechanic has told me front bushes are showing some signs of wear but generally normal for age of vehicle... Soo the search goes on haha.

[WAGON MAN]

Check your Radius rod bushes.

How many km's has your VY done?

[dah_man_ben]

Check your Radius rod bushes.

How many km's has your VY done?

86,000km mate.

[foo27]

try checking the strut top bushes, my vy ss is doing the same thing and i have replaced everything else. i put new superpro bushes in yesterday and vibration gone. worked for me may not in your case>

[c2105026]

The thread still going? My VX is doing it, but has only 38,000 on it so i am thinking its in great condition, and as such normal. steering racks don't wear out by 38,000....

[TMM]

Strut top bushes. Even at only 38,000km the rubber has probably hardened and split/collapsed due to old age.

[calais24/7]

I had a vibration in my sterring wheel, it was only at about 70 + km/h, if you took your hands of the wheel you could see it vibrating and it was pretty bad. It would give you dead/tingly arms if your drove on a big trip. I had about 100 wheel balances and alignments, thinking all the workshops were shit. It was my suspension or brakes. Everything was replaced. It turned out to be my front tires. They wernt shit cheap ones eiether, almost brand new and a performance tire. I found this out when i put my new wheels on and it didn't do it anymore