Vibration/Thudding when moving steering wheel?

[jjs316]

This morning when i was going to work i notice that my seering wheel will kind of move back and forth when im going down the road.

On the way home i noticed when i slightly, and i mean slightly (not turning), my steering wheel to the left i get this thudding type noise. Something like you would hear if something were loose. It doesnt do it when i turn right, and it doesnt do it when i actually make a left hand turn, just when i barely move it just to keep a car going straight.

I was going around 25-35 when all this was going on. i dunno if it does it if i go any faster, im assuming since it does it when im going slower, it will.

i have replaced the tie rod end so i dont figure it would be that.

The wheel doesnt move any when i try to move it side to side and top to bottom.

Anyone ever have this? Or know what this is?

Sorry i cant describe the noise better, just seems like something is loose and rattling.

[LegacyRob]

Could maybe be the inner tie rod end.

[jjs316]

Could maybe be the inner tie rod end.

replaced them a couple months ago (5-7k miles ago). shouldnt be bad already.

[LegacyRob]

Maybe the bushings that hold the rack are worn so it shifts a bit.

[jjs316]

Maybe the bushings that hold the rack are worn so it shifts a bit.

I thought about that, but i figured it would vibrate all the time if it were steering rack bushings.

[jjs316]

figured i would update this with what the problem actually was just incase someone uses 'search' for vibration.

there were actually two problems, one was that my driverside lower ball joint was gutted. but what was making it vibrate and thud was a belt broke in my passengerside front tire making there be a little golf ball sized bump on my tire causing the vibration.

[2.5GT]

I have the same symptoms, thinkin my ball joints are bad. is this a easy install?

[jjs316]

I dont think it would be bad, i think you need a certain tool..ball joint press or something. I may be wrong. Im having a friend do mine here at a local shop though cause im getting an alignment from my suspension install so i figured i would just let him do it.