(Home) Steering 'pulsing'

hi all

my townie (2ct, 4wd, h reg) seems to have developed some kind of fault with the steering/power steering system. when i drive at low speeds i get a 'pulsing' through the wheel that moves the steering wheel from side to side. i still feel that i am in control but the sensation is very disconcerting.

the pulsing seems to be speed related (is slow when i drive slow) and gets faster through to about 40mph when it seems to disappear (or blend into the general road judder).

any suggestions?

regards.

--- jim

- (#5506) Jim Reynolds, 15 Sep 02

loose wheel or bulge in a tyre? warped front disc? If it's road speed related, it's unlikely to be steering as such unless (say) a bad track rod end is exagerating another fault...

- (#5507) david miller, 15 Sep 02

All the things David suggests, or a buckled wheel, or wheel missing all it's balance weights, could be a seized caliper causing brake 'grab' but whatever it is, get it sorted quick, before it wears out other steering components. regards Rob.

- (#5508) Rob Drinkwater, 15 Sep 02

update
took the townie to a local garage. they helpfully pointed out that the rubber on my front, passengers-side tyre had 'seperated' from the canvas base and was working up to a catstrophic failure. not good. they also pointed out that this kind of damage is common when a vehicle mounts the curb. ummm, that'll be like the parking bays outside my london home then.

regs,

--- jim

- (#5606) Jim Reynolds, 22 Sep 02