Spongy feeling steering wheel...what are common causes?

5spd GT

"the 5.0 owns all"

Founding Member

Aug 7, 2002

9,516

6

99

Arkansas

Oct 8, 2006

#1

• Oct 8, 2006

• #1

If I'm going around a curve my steering wheel feels like it is fighting me to get back to center and I have to keep trying to keep it consistent around the curves. My tires are badly worn on the outside front's...so that could be a cause...but is this a suspension problem, or simply an alignment/tire condition.

My car has always rode rough so that could be a suspension problem.

Any ideas?

 

65ShelbyClone

Founding Member

Sep 9, 2000

4,675

38

119

Antelope Valley, SoCal

Oct 8, 2006

#2

• Oct 8, 2006

• #2

Get a front end alignment and take a look at the rubber rag joint on the steering shaft coming out of the firewall. If the rubber is rotting, then that could cause funky steering. I suspect an alignment issue considering the bad tire wear.

 

5spd GT

"the 5.0 owns all"

Founding Member

Aug 7, 2002

9,516

6

99

Arkansas

Oct 9, 2006

#3

• Oct 9, 2006

• #3

So check the rubber bushing on the steering shaft by the headers? Good idea!

I'm going to be ordering tires soon and will go from there...thanks for the reply.

 

04sleeper

Founding Member

Jun 22, 2002

2,674

14

89

Dallas, TX

Oct 9, 2006

#4

• Oct 9, 2006

• #4

Sounds like an alignment problem like stated David.

 

Zero_chance

Founding Member

May 29, 2001

1,244

7

59

Maricopa, AZ

Oct 9, 2006

#5

• Oct 9, 2006

• #5

Definitely get an alignment the same time you get your tires or very soon after so you dont kill the new ones. And a little return to center on vehicles is normal but if your tires are junk then youre being pointed in the right direction with an alignment check.

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

34

129

Oct 9, 2006

#6

• Oct 9, 2006

• #6

I'd agree again. Bad alignment hinders return to center. If you've whacked anything or your springs are sagging a bit, you can see some camber (ergo toe), caster or Kingpin issues (the latter is really what's responsible for return, but caster has a meaningful effect that's more easily modified or disrupted).

Around here you can get an alignment inspection for about 15 bucks. If you get it aligned after that, the 15 beans goes towards the alignment and if not, you're out the 15 beans but know where you stand a little better.

Good luck bud.

Oh, I'm still waiting for pics of the SN95.

 

5spd GT

"the 5.0 owns all"

Founding Member

Aug 7, 2002

9,516

6

99

Arkansas

Oct 10, 2006

#7

• Oct 10, 2006

• #7

Thanks Kevin

Thanks JT, I know you have been waiting on those pics JT, the only pics I got are when it was on the lot...I'm to lazy (lol) to clean it up real good and get decent pics...send me some of your work ethic this way, to Arkansas