Is wobble a steering rack problem?

Jazzer · Post by **Jazzer** » 20 Oct 2016, 21:33

Hi guys,
Just to bring y'all up to speed: a 96 855 turbo platinum wagon with 191k. A few weeks ago I burned a valve and got a valve job, rebuilt the head with a few issues along the way, but engine is purring beautifully now. While the engine was misfiring (I drove it for about a week during that time) it shook something fierce, and the engine mounts were the originals. As I drove it, it developed a slow power steering fluid leak (from the boots) and developed a "wobble": above 40mph, when I hit a bump, the steering wheel wobbles a bit and I have to slow down to retake control. Kinda scary at faster speeds, to the point that I don't want to go over 65.

Anyway, I feel that maybe the vibration of the misfiring engine and worn mounts caused the seals to fail on the rack (no hoses or connections are leaking), leading to the leak and wobble issue. I have replaced all engine mounts now, but still have the wobble. I am currently using some Valvoline ATF stop leak to see if it helps with leak. Newer suspension parts (within the last 6 months) include: inner and outer tie rods, control arms, and sway bar links (Meyle and TRW components). It does need new struts and mounts, and the alignment is off.

My next step is to get it up on a lift and have my mechanic give it a good look. I'm thinking I'll probably need a new/rebuilt rack, but would the rack be the cause of the wobble? As usual, I look forward to your opinions and suggestions!

Post by **kranz** » 20 Oct 2016, 22:14

I once replaced the steering rack on a car of a different Swedish manufacturer due to the seals badly leaking. Apart from the leaks, it did not exhibit any other steering problems.

Post by **Clemens** » 21 Oct 2016, 01:16

i don't think it is the rack. Rather some other bushing that is badly worn. Also check shocks, springs, spring seats, the whole front suspension.

Post by **850 LPT** » 21 Oct 2016, 06:19

Did you check the tires? Maybe they need re-balancing, maybe you even lost a balancing weight. Worn out ball joints in the control arms or bad tie rod joints could amplify the problem.
I would get the front suspension work with alignment and tires done first and then see if the wobble is still there.

Jazzer · Post by **Jazzer** » 21 Oct 2016, 09:40

Ok, just had my guy look at it. Definitely needs an alignment, but he showed me something I haven't seen on here yet: above the driver's side control arm on the subframe is a rubber stop called a "front mount buffer"; it appears that the engine/transmission rests on it. Mine was pretty much deteriorated, and it was allowing the engine to sway back and forth a bit, which would not help my wobble condition. Anybody have any experience changing one out? Pretty cheap for OEM, less than 5 bucks.

Sommerfeldt · Post by **Sommerfeldt** » 21 Oct 2016, 10:02

Never even heard of it - probably goes for lots of people who've never dropped a subframe. A picture or write up would be great if you decide to swap it out - does it look like it's kind of the same procedure as the "right" engine mount on the passenger side? I.e. just take the engine weight off and pop a new one in?

- S

Post by **sleddriver** » 21 Oct 2016, 11:30

Once I replaced both HMM's, the tranny no longer sat on that rubber stop. Instead there is about an inch gap now. You mentioned replacing MM's. Did you replace the two HMM's?

AKJeeper · Post by **AKJeeper** » 21 Oct 2016, 12:12

Rotate your tires front to rear, see if the problem moves to the back. If it does - your tires/wheels are the issue. I've also seen cars with struts so bad that the wheels bounced rapidly going down the road and caused shaking. Tire/wheels that aren't balanced and true would make the situation worse. Looked almost like the tires were being dribbled like basket balls going down the road. Kind of like this... or this...

Jazzer · Post by **Jazzer** » 21 Oct 2016, 20:50

sleddriver wrote:Once I replaced both HMM's, the tranny no longer sat on that rubber stop. Instead there is about an inch gap now. You mentioned replacing MM's. Did you replace the two HMM's?

That's pretty much what mine is like now, and yes, I replaced the front and rear motor mounts. I ordered a new one, but I have no idea how or if I can change it...

Post by **FLXC90** » 22 Oct 2016, 14:34

I'll bet ya a donut it's your inner tie rods! And I like donuts