steering wobble
the g has developed a really bad wooble , i had the wheels balanced and that made it a bit better, it does not do it all time but when it does it is a case of slowing down and almost stoping. i know that the steering has a damper and as far is i can see it looks intact and still full of oil, or perhaps none? any thoughts
Quick suggestions:
#1 Damper - replace with the uprated one from G500 - you'll need a new bracket (or fabricate one is easy enough for a machine shop) unless its a newer G - Gav wil have part numbers. Worth doing every 10K miles anyway (they are cheap and are expendable items).
#2 Tracking - easy and cheap to get checked.
#3 Wheel bearings - your tyre fitter should have been able to check this, essentially 'wiggle' tyre and wheel (Y axis) with it jacked up - shouldn't be any play.
A strong wobble is usually down to a steering damper; renewing every 10,000 miles seems excessive in my opinion. Damper is easy to check. Disconnect one end and if the damper and if the damper's plunger offers no or very little resistance; its shot.
There are two types of dampers, standard and heavy duty (h/d) the h/d one being twice as expensive. Don't know current prices on these.
If your wobble persists get the front wheel tracking checked and adjusted. Have it set to parallel or zero degrees. A wheel bearing check would or should be done as a matter of course before the tracking is adjusted if the mechanic is worth his weight in salt.
Note any excessive wheel bearing play should not be adjusted out and can not, as if done so, will not last for long. The wheel bearings have to be renewed
The above is true if the wobble is a wobble at the steering wheel, if it is a vibration from the front of the vehicle from the front, then it could be a worn UJ, most common from the front of the front propshaft.
You mentioned the wobble is prevalent when slowing down; if there is any brake pedal pulsation associated with the wobble it could due to wrapped brake discs and, or brake pad issue.
Many people find fitting a Disco 2 damper the answer
Check eBay , around £40/50 ,many suppliers
Slight mod to bracket required
This is from a previous thread, i have updated the prices, the standard small damper has dropped a fair bit...
This is to clarify the options available on the Steering Dampers. All Dampers have 10mm diameter holes at both ends. Except there are an earlier version of option A) that had an 8mm at one end (NLA) and the brackets need changing as well. The brackets and mountings for each Damper differ from W460/1/3 and from model to model so please enquire with your Chassis Number for more info if you are Upgrading your Damper. Prices and Availability correct as 24.10.13 from MBUK and their Dealers.
Steering Damper
A0004636032 38MM DIA £58.50 + VAT at MBUK
STD ON MOST W460’S – W461’S – W463’S ex ALL W461 - W463 CDI’S – MOST W463 V8’S
A0004636632 50MM DIA £94.50 + VAT at MBUK
UPGRADE ON ALL W460’S – W461’S – W463’S ex ALL W461 - W463 CDI’S – MOST W463 V8’S
A4634630132 50MM DIA £116.00 + VAT at MBUK
STD ON ALL W461 - W463 CDI’S – MOST W463 V8’S
This information is just for reference and as a guide the part should be checked to specific vehicle Chassis Number before ordering and fitment.
This is from a previous thread, i have updated the prices, the standard small damper has dropped a fair bit...
This is to clarify the options available on the Steering Dampers. All Dampers have 10mm diameter holes at both ends. Except there are an earlier version of option A) that had an 8mm at one end (NLA) and the brackets need changing as well. The brackets and mountings for each Damper differ from W460/1/3 and from model to model so please enquire with your Chassis Number for more info if you are Upgrading your Damper. Prices and Availability correct as 24.10.13 from MBUK and their Dealers.
Steering Damper
A0004636032 38MM DIA £58.50 + VAT at MBUK
STD ON MOST W460’S – W461’S – W463’S ex ALL W461 - W463 CDI’S – MOST W463 V8’S
A0004636632 50MM DIA £94.50 + VAT at MBUK
UPGRADE ON ALL W460’S – W461’S – W463’S ex ALL W461 - W463 CDI’S – MOST W463 V8’S
A4634630132 50MM DIA £116.00 + VAT at MBUK
STD ON ALL W461 - W463 CDI’S – MOST W463 V8’S
This information is just for reference and as a guide the part should be checked to specific vehicle Chassis Number before ordering and fitment.
Had a wobble/steering wheel shake between 65 and 70 mph. Wheels balanced, tracking checked, steering damper changed, wheel bearings checked but still had a wobble. Problem not solved until front shock absorbers changed. Now perfect.
Thanks this is very valuable for UK owners (as I often looked when I had one ;-))
First time have I come across where the shock absorbers has been the culprit. Thank you for filling us in.
i just purchased another G recently.bad wobble too at over 40 mph. front suspension seems terribly low. maybe the reason for the wobble.....
thanks for the tip.
rgds hus
I've had the same issue on mine, so a quick check under the breakers I have, happy days, a perfect heavy duty steering damper, twenty minutes later it's on my G. The difference is night and day, not a hint of tank slapping now. Gordon G Restorations
Another cause can be worn king pin bearings.
Eddie.
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