Hey first post. My wifes accord (212k miles) has developed a sometimes violent steering wheel wobble that is very random. The steering wheel will rotate back and forth 1/4 - 3/8" with very little pedal or body shake. It seems to start after a few min. of driving and will occur at all speeds(faster=worse) and then will suddenly stop and may start again several minutes later. Ive only ever owned and worked on trucks so these cars are sometimes a challenge for me. After the problem developed I replaced all rotors and pads and had the wheels balanced. This offered no change and I didnt think it was the problem but had to do it anyway. I just put new tires on yesterday and got alignment. Still no change. All components seem tight, with the wheels locked the tie rods have slight play into the rack, not sure if this is normal. Hope someone can help and thanks in advance.

 

should be no play at all. should be tight.

also, what year accord is this exactly?

have you checked wheel bearings?

re-reading it, your rack might need tightening.

 

Basically with the front jacked up and the steering wheel locked I can push in and out of the rack about a 1/4 inch. Should there be no left to right movement? there is no detectable wheel bearing play.

 

Should be 0 play.

 

Ok so how do I go about tightening it. I will search the forum when I get home. thanks

 

Sounds like inner and outer tie rods are in need of replacement. Does it have the same amount or a similar amount of play on both the left and right sides?

 

Yea I would say it has similar play on both sides. It would seem to me that steering would be loose and have play. Not the case. there is almost no play when turning the steering wheel, steering is very responsive and tight.

 

as it turns out there is no play. I had my friend over to hold the steering wheel and the rack seems tight. I tightened the rack but I dont think thats the issue. any other ideas?

 

Ball joints? Axles?