Steering Vibration

[865.0HO]

My 86GT has a vibration through the steering wheel at 65-75mph, it's done it for some time now. I've done a search and didn't find any conclusive answers.

It's not a driveline vibration--it's from the front end. I had the car aligned and one inner tie rod replaced a couple months ago. The steering is tight, the rest of the tie rod ends don't have any slack in them--neither do the ball joints. Wheel bearings feel tight as well. I had the balance checked on my nearly new tires again yesterday--they were spot on.

The only thing I can think of at this point is worn a-arm bushings--car has 217k on it, as far as I know they've never been replaced. Worn struts--I've put nearly 90k on the car--they haven't been replaced since I've owned it. They looked new when I bought the car.

Does it sound like I'm on the right track?

Thanks,
Jeremiah

 

[cjones]

with the vib being in such a tight speed range, i'd check the front tire balance.

front tires being out of balance will cause a steering wheel vibration.

 

[865.0HO]

Had the balance checked again yesterday--they were fine. It's not a tire balance or tire quality issue.

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

Do your brake rotors have any runout, or do you feel any abnormal shaking during braking? Rotors being out of round can also cause a vibration. My 95 is doing it currently, but I'll be upgrading to Cobra front brakes within the next week or so, and solving that problem.

 

[865.0HO]

Rotors aren't warped. Braking is normal.

 

[Shakerhood]

Repack and Adjust your Front Wheel Bearings and the Vibe will go away.

 

[Aryan15]

Just because tires are balanced does not ensure they will perfectly round.

 

[vmurh]

Tires can still be in balance and not round. Go the Hunter.com and read about their balancer GSP700.

I always had problems with my 91 because i believe a wheel is not exactly round.

Not anymore.

Most Ford and other dealers have to have the Hunter Balancer which will help match a tire to a rim.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

Could be an A-arm bushing. I would also suggest you check your steering shaft. Those FOX bodies have a rubber rag joint and all the ones I have ever seen are worn and deteriorated.