Steering wheel wobble

[Torquer]

Just looking for thoughts on this issue. I'm experiencing slight steering wheel wobble at low to mid range speeds and it occurs intermittently depending (I think) on the quality of the road surface. I've had the wheels aligned and balanced but it still occurs. Not sure if I'm being too pedantic or expecting too much. The movement is probably only about 4-5mm but I really expect a steering wheel to be virtually stable. Any comments before I go back to the dealer? Vehicle is 2011 MC Zetec Diesel Wagon.

[Russ]

Maybe a slightly out of round tyre ??

[svo supporter]

I suspect from what you have written, the problem is actually the road surface and nothing to do with the car itself...The tyre is a lowish profile, therefore doesn't lend itself to absorbing bumps on the road surface.....So it will transfer this through the steering wheel giving you the wobble you describe....

[ope126]

Originally Posted by Torquer

Just looking for thoughts on this issue. I'm experiencing slight steering wheel wobble at low to mid range speeds and it occurs intermittently depending (I think) on the quality of the road surface. I've had the wheels aligned and balanced but it still occurs. Not sure if I'm being too pedantic or expecting too much. The movement is probably only about 4-5mm but I really expect a steering wheel to be virtually stable. Any comments before I go back to the dealer? Vehicle is 2011 MC Zetec Diesel Wagon.

Hi Mate,

Here is a thread I started, it might be of some assistance... http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11381397

Let me know how you go!

[JimStone]

Had similar issue on 2011 Zetec Ecoboost Hatch with a/market 18" rims (fitted at 1,000klms) - problem plagued me for the last 21,000klms. Just changed to directional Yokohama tyres and it's like chalk and cheese, no vibration at any speed with the steering wheel rock steady and a much nicer drive all round.

[allanv6gt]

Nearly 30yrs ago we changed from nasty Barum tyres to (still cheapish) Kleber on a little Mazda 808 wagon. Simple change fixed the meanderings of the car down the road and it stopped better too.
More recently, last year I changed my Mondeo XR5s OEM Continental ContactSport2 to Yokohama C-Drive. Hey presto, no more aquaplaning on slightly wet roads and no more tramlining.

Tyres are the only thing that keeps your butt off the road.
Don't skimp on quality, and price does not necessarily = quality.

[Torquer]

Thanks for the imput everyone.
Ope126 thread was quite interesting because it does seem to be a bit more prevelent on cold tyres. It also seems worse the larger the camber on the road. I expected that low profile tyres may have an input but this problem hasn't always been there. Thanks for the suggestion of putting on Yokohamas next time - will defenitely look at it. If you can provide specific details and cost it would be appreciated. In the meantime I might have a chat with the dealer.
Thanks again for the replies.

[JimStone]

Originally Posted by Torquer

Thanks for the suggestion of putting on Yokohamas next time - will defenitely look at it. If you can provide specific details and cost it would be appreciated. In the meantime I might have a chat with the dealer.
Thanks again for the replies.

Yokohama A drive R1 235/40ZR18, on special at Bob Jane Tmarts for $199.00 a corner fitted and balanced.

[allanv6gt]

JimStone - that's a great price - currently listed at $254 RRP.
I paid $275ea last year for my slightly higher spec C-Drive Yokies 235/40x18 W95. I thought that price was much better than the OEM Contis @ $400ea, and then the car drove heaps better too.

[Torquer]

Latest Update.
The dealer looked at the car again this week and advised that they believe it's a tyre issue. They rotated the tyres again (I think this the third time in 3 months) and rebalanced them (again for a third time 3 months). So far it seems to have fixed the problem - but I've only driven a short time. Makes one wonder how well the job was done previously. Will still look at changing the tyres to Yokohamas when next due.

[stuart]

I just had my winter tyres swapped back to the OEM Continental ContactSport2 tyres for summer and noticed exactly the same feeling.
Steering has become quite twitchy and ruts / bumps in the road have quite an effect on the stability of the car. One handed steering is not really possible with these tyres.

Trouble is I don't think I will get enough Ks on the tyres to change them over given our seasonal half year use of one tyre.