Steering jerking at high speeds
Steering jerking at high speeds
2007 Honda Fit (305 000km/190 000mi)
When driving at speeds above 80km/h (50mph), the steering will intermittently experience episodes of jerking from side to side. The movements are quite noticeable WHEN they occur (feels like the wheels are suddenly disconnected from the steering system and that they are freely turning from side to side by a few degrees). The changes in direction of the vehicle can be corrected with reactive steering. Each episode lasts about 2-3 minutes and then subsides for about 5 minutes. If brakes are applied during an episode, the car will have a strong vibration.
I tried taking the car into a parking lot to reproduce the issue by “almost” doing doughnuts (slow enough so I don’t break traction) but the handling seems perfect at these speeds. However, when doing the same thing in reverse, I hear a scraping/rubbing sound with oscillatory volume.
Thoughts?
When driving at speeds above 80km/h (50mph), the steering will intermittently experience episodes of jerking from side to side. The movements are quite noticeable WHEN they occur (feels like the wheels are suddenly disconnected from the steering system and that they are freely turning from side to side by a few degrees). The changes in direction of the vehicle can be corrected with reactive steering. Each episode lasts about 2-3 minutes and then subsides for about 5 minutes. If brakes are applied during an episode, the car will have a strong vibration.
I tried taking the car into a parking lot to reproduce the issue by “almost” doing doughnuts (slow enough so I don’t break traction) but the handling seems perfect at these speeds. However, when doing the same thing in reverse, I hear a scraping/rubbing sound with oscillatory volume.
Thoughts?
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,704
From: Second house on the left
Other questions: Are your tires old (might have a shifted belt inside the tire)
Likewise, pothole damage (slight wheel bend) or if aftermarket wheels, perhaps they are not properly hub-centered.
You need to inspect the front end for play (loose bushings, ball joints, or tie rod ends). And, don't forget to inspect the driveshafts near the collars in the middle...the shafts have been known to break from exposure to salty conditions.
Likewise, pothole damage (slight wheel bend) or if aftermarket wheels, perhaps they are not properly hub-centered.
You need to inspect the front end for play (loose bushings, ball joints, or tie rod ends). And, don't forget to inspect the driveshafts near the collars in the middle...the shafts have been known to break from exposure to salty conditions.
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rifratkin
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Nov 17, 2023 02:36 PM