Miata Mailing List: August 1993, Message #5



     


   From: Herb Samuels 
Subject: Steering Wheel Shake
   Date: Mon, 2 Aug 1993 09:26:42 -0400


I've noticed an increase in steering wheel shake which has gotten
slightly worse over the past two years.  The shake is side to side
and ONLY comes when both front wheels hit bumps at fractionionally
different times.  Also, I've noticed some recent bump
steer where the wheel rotates slightly when hitting a bump when going
to the left.  I know that the Miata is an open car and thus would be
less rigid that a closed car.  However, what I described above was not
present during the first two years.  Some suspension work was done in
the past and the front struts and mounting nut plates were changed
under warantee with some but not complete improvement.  I recently
installed a transverse strut bar which helps a little.  The dealer's
service department is not very experienced or of much help.

In looking at the workship manual, it seems that almost any problem in
the suspension or steering column might do this (ball joint, loose
steering column bolts or rubber bushing. etc.).  I wonder if anyone on
the Net has had such a problem and, if so, what they did to solve it.
It seems that short of disassembling the entire suspension it would be
difficult to exactly pinpoint the problem.  If anyone has any ideas as
to how to diagnose what the problem is, I would be really greatful.

Thanks,

Herb Samuels