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Steering Wobble at speed higher than 120km/h (74.5 miles/h)

5.3K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  skewe  
#1 · (Edited)
Hi my Toyotanation friends :)

My father's 1MZ-FE 1994 200.000 km (124.000 miles) has a steering wobble (in a way, too responsive and soft) ONLY at speeds higher than 120km/h (74.5 miles/h). It doesn't feel safe at all driving above that speed.

But at 110Km/h (68 MPH), it feels almost as normal. The car has no other braking, steering or suspension problem otherwise.

What is your opinion about what would be the most likely cause, so I can start shopping around for parts:

1) worn out ball joints (I think I can do this when the weather allows).
2) worn control arm bushing
3) worn steering rack bushing (I wonder if I can do-it-yourself this yet. I have much more confidence after I installed the front struts 4 times now).
4) loose steering rack (what bolts can I tighten or I have to let the garage do the repair + parts ? )
5) worn discs (can this be possible even if the brakes are not pressed).

Have you had similar problem and what can be done at home or at the garage ?
 
Discussion starter · #7 · (Edited)
Thanks JJJJJJ, ekopel, msrdude.

As I read the answer, I think I can define more accurately what the steering actually feels.

You know when you drive fast (74 MPH, 120km/h), you might "bump" the steering a tiny bit (INADVERTENTLY) but the car will not steer much ? And you know there's more "resistance" to turn the steering wheel when you drive fast ? (Any experienced drivers know what I'm talking about).

Well, my father's car steering no longer behaves like that. It likes you drive fast at 74 MPH and if you "bump" or nudge the steering either left or right, then his car changes the direction immediately.

His car drives straight and returns to central position normally. (Notice that I have my own Camry94 but I4, and I drive 75-80MHP so I know the correct feeling of the steering at high speed).

I'm planning to change his front struts next Summer (it's cold now in Montreal to do anything now). So maybe the alignment will wait. Meanwhile, I'll swap the tires several ways, when I have a chance, and see if things improve.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
Thank Tom_2000 and Fenixus.

I changed the term Wobble to "feels too responsive and soft". Even I don't feel safe driving at that speed when it feels like that.

Also, for future reference, it doesn't feel like a "too much play" thing.

I'll try to swap the tire for my father when I go to Montreal next time. He has some developing arthritis.