Steering Wheel Wobble :S

[Martay]

Hi,
I know this is a bike forum, but was hoping someone could help. I have just test driven a Mk4 fiesta 1.3, and to be honest, it terrified me.
The steering wheel shakes violently at anything over 5mph, and the steering is REALLY REALLY heavy. There is no play in the steering box, could someone suggest a cause of this? Possible tyres or wheels out of balance?
The car is great other than this, and cheap to
Ta
____________________
Eat well, poo hard
Drives: Cavalier 2.0 16v
Rides: Slightly ratted Honda City Express

[Phoenix]

If it's when driving normally then could well be wheel balance out, if it's when braking then likely to be warped discs. If the car has power steering and it's heavy then it's likely the pump is failing or low on fluid or possibly a slipping/damaged belt, it doesn't sound like a well maintained car so i'd walk away.

I should probably point out it could well be more serious or complex issues which is why I say walk away, unless it's cheap enough and you have the knowledge and skills to fix it yourself, which I assume you don't, doesn't sound like a good first car.

[Martay]

Thanks
Its NON-PAS, but i struggled to turn the wheel, when still or moving...
It wobbled constantly while moving, braking turning or whatever. Tbh, now i think about it, i may well walk away. Thanks for the reply
____________________
Eat well, poo hard
Drives: Cavalier 2.0 16v
Rides: Slightly ratted Honda City Express

[V2]

Could be anything, as suggested from a wheel out of balance, a badly warped disk, accident damage that has not been repaired properly, I wouldnt walk away though, id run!

[Drew]

I'd rule out wheel balance, as that only shows its ugly head at around 60mph, not before, and not after.

[MarJay]

[Drew]

[MarJay]

[Drew]

So not 'anything over 5mph' as the original post stated?

[MarJay]

[Drew]

[binge]

Fords, Especially the Mk4 Fiesta and the Escorts, Are prone for Lower arm (Wish bone) bushings wearing.

At work, I do lower arms on Fiestas, More than any other cars, Put together!


Worn Lower arms will cause the steering to feel very heavy, And as you get to full lock on the steering, It will feel like its snatching out of your hands as you drive, Rather than straightening up by its self. If that makes sense?

It could also have a seriously out of shape tyre. Again, Worn lower arms would cause the tyres to wear prematurely, And in many cases, un-evenly.


Again, I'd walk away, Unless its going for very silly money. Sub £200 I'd say.





Ben

[MaybeGuy]

my vote is for drive shaft, wheel bearings or differential.

tried any other gears?
____________________
Blue_SV650S wrote: it was a sh1te wheelie, but it proves that he can get it up in 3rd and can do angles. In summery, mattsprattuk is a gobby little sh1tebag, dopehead tw4t, but sadly for all of us, he probably isn't THAT full of sh1te!!
Kickstart wrote: Hi I tend to agree with Matt. All the best Keith

[MarJay]

[dgo1212]

The steering wheel shakes violently at anything over 5mph

Out of shape tyre maybe?
Would rule out balancing and bottom arms if it's at low speeds


Re-call one of lads I work with fixing a heavy steering problem on a fiesta,am sure it was the coupling between the column and rack he replaced,apparantly they're a common fault but I've never done one myself

Edit-binge beat me to the tyre

[Martay]

Thanks for the advice guys
I have decided against this one, all the problems that have been suggested sound expensive to fix!!
The car is advertised as 'drives very well', all i can say is, im pleased i test drove it!
Cheers
____________________
Eat well, poo hard
Drives: Cavalier 2.0 16v
Rides: Slightly ratted Honda City Express

[binge]