Steering column wobbles a bit

[Geraldine]

Lately I have felt a bit of a wobble sometimes in the steering column, the steering itself is fine, but it does bother me!
It's not constant, seems to be at lower speeds and also makes a slight rattling noise. Hope it's nothing too bad, advice appreciated!

[linearaudio]

Is it the wheel itself loose? This has happened to mine, and produces the rattle you describe. Cup a hand round the steering wheel/ shroud and with your spare hand waggle the wheel in an argumentative manner, in and out at the periphery. you will be able to detect any rock in it, as opposed to side movement which indicates loose upper column "bush?"
I take it your previous engine running concerns have disappeared (we are still awaiting the day trip to Sizewell)

[bmcecosse]

As la describes - check wheel and column to decide where the problem lies. More worrying would be if the clamp bolt at the base of the column has worked slack - so check that carefully too. Th rack itself could be loose in the U clamps - check they are tight - and finally of course the rack damper may be needing adjustyed and/or the rack may be overdue for some lubrication. Grease is better than oil for damping out unwanted rattles. If the column bushes are indeed worn - it's a bit of a job (but not by any means impossible) to renew them - so if that's all it is - you may decide to live with it!

[Geraldine]

Thanks for replies, will check as advised. I have had the rack greased by the garage when it was in for the engine problems as they saw it needed doing. Feels like something is loose so will have to investigate.
The engine problems seem to have more or less sorted themselves out, it runs much more smoothly now. May have to adjust the idle speed a bit as it runs on a bit when ignition turned off!
Sorry lineraudio, if you PM'ed me about trip to Sizewell it probably went to my husband's email account as I was having problems with my password etc. I am back to work next week so can't make it now, thanks for offer of help it was appreciated!

[charlie_morris_minor]

hi gerladine

the pm will have gone to your moggy pm account, when you login at the top you have the option of "login and check your messages" or if you are logged in at the top you have the option of "you have 1 new message" or something like that..

as for the lift in your column it might just be the felt pad that sits inside the column at the top..

having re-read your question... you seem to say it is only when you are driving.. in which case i think you might need to get your wheels balanced ( any tyre centre should be able to do it)

[Geraldine]

I wondered whether it may be the wheels, don't know if they have been balanced so will check that out.
Won't be driving her for a little while. as access to garage will be blocked due to porch being built. Had to choose keeping her in the garage or having to squeeze into small parking spaces on the street - chose the safer option!

[d_harris]

Simple way to check if your wheel needs balancing:

Take a chalk marker (or similar) and use it to mark the bottom of the wheel rim or tyre, as close to the road as poss. Jack the car up and spin the wheel as hard as you can and note where the mark ends up.

Repeat this 10 or 15 times and if the mark ends up in a roughly similar place each time, the wheel needs a balance - simples! Can even be done in the garage!

[MarkyB]

I was thinking bulge in the tyre.
Only an MOT tester will find slack in the steering column bush, but anyone may notice the steering wheel moving oddly.

If you jack the car up so the front wheel can turn, the give it a spin and lightly brush your fingers on the tread and you will feel if there is a bulge.
You may be able to tell just from a visual inspection unless the bulge is just on the tread or on the inner side wall.

[bmcecosse]

You don't need to spin the wheel Dan - as long as the brakes are slackened back and not rubbing (pads out if deadly discs) - then just let the wheel go. If out of balance it will roll round so the heavy section is at the base. Mark with chalk - turn the wheel 90 degrees and balance it by adding weights on the opposite side until it doesn't move. Job done. Only a 'static' balance - but good enough for 70 mph and more - off highway of course!

[Kevin]

I have had the rack greased by the garage when it was in for the engine problems as they saw it needed doing.

They should have used oil.

[bmcecosse]

Grease is better for preventing rattles ! All later racks - exactly the same design etc, as used in Mini - are specified for grease. Also doesn't run into the boots - as the oil does, and then rack gets no lub!