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Vibration in steering wheel


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tractorboy
User
tractorboy profile image

Sep 9, 2005, 11:47 AM

Post #1 of 13 (4065 views)
Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

I have a 2003 chevy impala, 3.4L 50k miles, I have noticed a very slight almost unnoticeable feel that seems to be transfered through the steering. It probably is nothing, sometimes big faults give slight warnings. Remember these are very slight, though they are there. When I sometimes start or stop I get a slight feeling that seems to be transferedup the steering column...it's like a slight connection or something is sliding out and then hits it's limit or like have you ever used a slide hammer to remove a bearing, sort of like that, only a lot more minute. Also does the same going around a corner.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 9, 2005, 2:39 PM

Post #2 of 13 (4059 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

Motor mounts/trans mounts can do that but it's hard to believe at your year and miles. As always, I can't help it but make sure your wheel's lug nuts are properly tight.



tractorboy
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Sep 11, 2005, 1:17 PM

Post #3 of 13 (4036 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

Do you mean the axle nut or lug nuts, the lug nuts are tight , I just did the brakes all the way around.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 12, 2005, 8:03 AM

Post #4 of 13 (4024 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

I meant the wheel lug nuts. The half shaft nut should not be involved with a brake job. The left side of a car is subject to loosing lug nuts. Many years ago they made cars with reverse threads on the left side to minimize the problem - but then the probem became mechanics were breaking them off turning the wrong way so now all cars in the last 30 years or so don't do that.

It's called resonant fequency and things that turn in certain directions will either tend to loosen or tighten nuts and bolts. It wasn't universal so that was abandoned. It's dang easy to make a mistake with this - especially if you have a helper. You both may think the other has already done something like tighten up the wheels. Just rule that out - easy enough,



tractorboy
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Sep 12, 2005, 9:37 AM

Post #5 of 13 (4020 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

I remember that, with the threads. Almost forgot about that. Remember starters on the floorboard and also the high beam. I wish they would go back to the highbeam on the floor, my left foot has no function anymore when I drive.


(This post was edited by tractorboy on Sep 12, 2005, 9:39 AM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 12, 2005, 10:27 AM

Post #6 of 13 (4015 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

Oh yeah! Remember some good old days, Vent windows!, some in the back too!, Floor vents!, real drip edges on cars, Real Bumpers! --- the list goes on. No seat belts, no air bags except maybe your guests, no car seats for kids - my Mom used to make me be in the back seat of a 55 Olds and the rule was "down" which we were instructed to get to the floor fast if something was going to happen.

Like you I can now donate my left leg as it has no use in a car anymore. I've owned over a 100 cars - none new and I hate how every car is different. Everything - even radio controls is on the wheel in some cars. Of course if your good - many sun visors have make-up mirrors - which is a real challenge while you suck down a coffee, or light a cigar all at once! LOL. Who needs directionals? That just gives away your strategy!

We call all this progress? :-)



tractorboy
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Sep 12, 2005, 10:52 AM

Post #7 of 13 (4009 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

OH Vent windows.....remember how if you left you keys in the ignition and were locked out, you could pound on the vent window in real quick rapid succession, as the latch slowly vibrate open. You lost me on the bumpers, the bumpers were awfull back then. I like seat belts and airbags ...also safety glass. I remember cutting my had really bad as a child on long shrads of glass from a 63 Impala front windshield. As a kid I remember jumping up and down on the rear seat of my parents turquise 57 chevy as my Mom drove down the street. There sure was a lot of room inside that car. I guess my left leg has one very important job...setting and releasing the parking brake.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 12, 2005, 2:53 PM

Post #8 of 13 (4007 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

Heck! We never took the keys out or locked anything! Remember "Death Grips"? I still have one from the 50s which is a steering wheel knob if you forgot. Perhaps CarJunky will set up a Nostalgia spot?? It's fun and the techs that tend to the sites are frequently older or retired as who else would have the time? Have a good day,



oldsfan1
Novice

Dec 10, 2005, 7:43 AM

Post #9 of 13 (3615 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

what you are feeling in the steering wheel is most likley the intermedit shaft.it attaches the colum to the rack though the firewall about a foot long.they are common for the grease drying up in them and giving you the symtoms you decribe.you can either go to the dealer and by the grease kit approx 20bux or replace the shaft approx 250bux.if it was mine i would grease it.just make sure the wheel does not spin or you'll reck the air bag coil


oldsfan1
Novice

Dec 10, 2005, 7:52 AM

Post #10 of 13 (3615 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

what your feeling in the wheel is the intermedate shaft .you can buy a grese kit 20bux or replace it 250bux.if you decide to tackle this repair becareful of the coil in the colum for the air bag,you don't want it to spin


tractorboy
User
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Dec 10, 2005, 8:14 AM

Post #11 of 13 (3611 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

I would like to try the greese kit first.

1. do most parts stores have them ?
2. what do i ask for ?
3. do I need any tools ? does it use a grease gun ?...or what ?
4. should i unplug my air bag at the dash connector ?
5. more about turning the wheel ? or other cautions ?
6. does it matter what temp you apply at ? it is cold outside now ?

Really would not like it to go to the dealer.


oldsfan1
Novice

Dec 10, 2005, 12:07 PM

Post #12 of 13 (3605 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

you can buy the grease kit at the dealer it contains the grease in a siringe a plug and the instructions.the parts people will know what your looking for.frist take a bungee cord and attach it to the steering wheel and under the seat somewhere.make sure it's tight and dosen't fall off,thie way you can rotate the steering wheel 45degrees either without it spinning around.i take off the left front wheel with the wheels stright ahead, lift the boot a the rackand undo the 7/16 bolt.using a pry bar push up on the shaft to dislodged it.then go in the car and undo it at the base of the colume 15mm or 7/16 and pull it out.when you reassemble you have a little bit of play because of the bungee to help get things lined up.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Dec 12, 2005, 9:12 AM

Post #13 of 13 (3563 views)
Re: Vibration in steering wheel Sign In

PLEASE!!!! Use all caution if you are messing with any wiring or things about the car's air bag. Safety first!

An air bag can save your life or cause extreme damage if it goes off when it shouldn't. I'm not qualified to advise on air bag handling and if I was would NOT discuss it more than to warn about it on the web. -T







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