Steering Wheel Shake

[vmodi]

Hi folks:

 

Driving my R50 above 60mph on the highway makes my steering wheel shake left/right quite a bit. I recently got new shocks and struts so I know its not that. It is not swaying, the ride is very smooth. Its just the steering shake. Painful for my wife when she drives for a bit.

 

Also, the steering lock is not working, not sure if it is related (doesn't sound like it) but throwing it out there.

 

I don't intend to fix this myself, don't really have any shop equipment or expertise. However when I take it to a mechanic (most likely on Monday) what should I expect to pay? Also, it would be good to know what it could be to talk sensibly to the mechanic.

 

Thanks!

[BIGPHIL]

I remember reading somewhere that some stuff being loose would cause a "shimmy/shake" just cant remember what it was.

[adamzan]

Check your tie rods, ball joints, steering rack bushings, and the tire balancing. That is all I can think of on an r50 right now.

[vmodi]

Would an off alignment cause this at all?

[GrimGreg]

Would an off alignment cause this at all?

No, that would cause a pull to the left or right. The list of things Adam pointed out would be possible causes. A bent rim, or out of balance tire would be the main cause for a shimmy/shake at a certain speed. One other part/cause he left out is worn wheel bearings.

[ahardb0dy]

normally a vibration felt thru the steering wheel indicates a problem in the front, could be anything previously listed, a vibration felt thru the seat usually is from the rear

[Precise1]

Especially at a specific speed on the highway, it could be your CV joints are worn and binding slightly.

 

Check the easy stuff first though.

 

B

[Tungsten]

normally a vibration felt thru the steering wheel indicates a problem in the front, could be anything previously listed, a vibration felt thru the seat usually is from the rear

 

I 2nd that

rear wheel bearings or the brakes are weird

[vmodi]

Thanks guys. Will post again once I have an update.