[canook2u]

This car only has 165K miles on it.
Have had no troubles w/ it until the other day.
While highway driving, it feels like the steering disengages for a second,
then the front end starts to shimmy.
Then its like the steering partially re-engages, still shimmying, yet turning the wheel turns the vehicle turns accurately.
Then the shimmy quits, then it comes back.
I've had it up in the air, running & in gear.
No clicks, no ball joint slop, no wobby axles. . . .what the?
If anyone has experience, please reply.
Thanks,

 

[mtts60]

Do you have enough power steering fluid? Or maybe it would be better just to drain the system and refill with new stuff, given the age of the car.

 

[canook2u]

Do you have enough power steering fluid? Or maybe it would be better just to drain the system and refill with new stuff, given the age of the car.

I only recently got this car from a family member, the PS fluid looks dark.
You're probably right, do a flush & see whats what.
Start simple & cheap

 

[Bobblehead]

This car only has 165K miles on it.
Have had no troubles w/ it until the other day.
While highway driving, it feels like the steering disengages for a second,
then the front end starts to shimmy.
Then its like the steering partially re-engages, still shimmying, yet turning the wheel turns the vehicle turns accurately.
Then the shimmy quits, then it comes back.
I've had it up in the air, running & in gear.
No clicks, no ball joint slop, no wobby axles. . . .what the?
If anyone has experience, please reply.
Thanks,

I would closely inspect/test the entire front end: Tie rods-Ball joints-Bushings. I agree flush the P/S system, also check the rack for leaks, the belt tension, pulley alignment, pump bolt tightness, missing/loose bolts or nuts,etc. Inspect the steering rack coupler too.

 

[canook2u]

I would closely inspect/test the entire front end: Tie rods-Ball joints-Bushings. I agree flush the P/S system, also check the rack for leaks, the belt tension, pulley alignment, pump bolt tightness, missing/loose bolts or nuts,etc. Inspect the steering rack coupler too.

I've done most of the inspections you're talking about, I am shocked it isn't obvious by the amount of shimmy I experienced. I'm going to start w/ the PS fluid since I don't know when it was changed last, if ever.

 

[Bobblehead]

I've done most of the inspections you're talking about, I am shocked it isn't obvious by the amount of shimmy I experienced. I'm going to start w/ the PS fluid since I don't know when it was changed last, if ever.

You probably already know this, be absolutely certain to use the correct P/S Fluid.

More Information for JOHNSEN'S 2612