Wobbly Steering Wheel

[Fodfather]

Hi all,

I am the proud owner of a usually superb 2004 Yaris T-Spirit.

I've owned it a few years without issue.

Recently the steering wheel has started to "wobble" side to side and it has got progressively worse, culminating in quite a vigorous shake which now causes the whole car to wobble. I am taking to the garage tomorrow but I just wondered what the hell has happened!? Is it the tracking? My wife drove it slowly today in a car park and the steering wheel was moving from side to side like an invisible man was driving it!!!

Cheers

[Raistlin]

Assuming no bad noise it sounds like a tracking issue, it's so easy to misalign, just a quick bump to a kerb and it's out of balance.

Good luck and welcome to the club... Enjoy

[Fodfather]

Thank You Raistlin. Got a trusted mechanic to go to so I am hoping he can sort it. Read a few threads and the vibration through the steering column does seem to be consistant with front wheel inbalance. We'll see, thanks again.

[Cyker]

Front wheel imbalance tends to show up when you go above a certain speed and manifests as a rapid shaking/juddering of the steering wheel; If the steering wheel is wobbling even at low speed, it's more likely a problem with the steering geometry (e.g. the tracking) or there is an issue with one or both of the wheels; Maybe some tyre damage or runout. Check the bolts/nuts on the wheels are tight and secure.

[t-spiritpete]

If your mechanic is not very close to you I would ask him to check it out at your house as this could be potentially very dangerous!

Pete.

[Parts-King]

People often think tracking or wheel balance, but you should also check each tyre thoroughly. A quick bump in a pot hole or kerb edge can damage the cords and wires inside the tyre, check for lumps and bumps on the sidewalls and tread separation

Kingo