I have had a problem with my cars steering wheel shaking at 60 mph for a long time. I have had the wheels balanced, the front end alligned, even went as far as changing to new wheels and tires. Problem was still there. I noticed a couple of months ago that the PS fluid was low and after topping it off the problem got a little better. I am wondering if since the fluid was so low if I got any air in the system.

Any info on bleeding air from the Power Steering system?

My next step is to replace the rack and the pump.

TIA

 

I have always bled the air out of power steering systems after replacing lines etc. by simply turning the wheel all the way from one side to the other and back and holding it tight against each side for a brief moment. I have never done anything special like crack lines open or anything like that. I have my doubts that the power steering is causing your vibration...might take a look at the rotors or try a different shop for checking the wheel balance. Some shops just seem to be much better at getting rid of nasty vibrations. Sometimes as simple as rotating a tire on a rim and rebalancing it so it requires less weight. Just some ideas...good luck.

 

Sorry, Forgot to say that the car has new rotors and has been balanced by no less then 3 different shops. The last shop to balance the tires also did 22's on my Tahoe and they are perfect. The rims and tires I took off are on my friends car and they run out like glass. The vibration is only at 60 to 65 mph and then it goes away.

 

Sounds like you have covered all the basics when trying to get rid of vibrations in steering. No chance of it being driveshaft vibration? Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Post back when you figure it out.

 

Is it a faint vibration shake or a heavy hang-on shake? If it's the latter of the two,then you might want to check Balljoints,Tierod ends,and Idlerarm. I had an old ElCamino that I had to have the tires spin balanced on the car itself to cure this problem. Never did figure out why,I think it was the wide tires that I put on it.

 

There is a procedure for bleeding the ps system on my Tech Page. Doubtful it will have anything to do with your vibration, though.

 

Thanks for the ideas so far guys. I will elaborate more in an attempt to give you more of an idea. The "vibration" is only felt in the steering wheel. The steering wheel itself rocks back and forth about 5 degrees. This only happens at say 62-67 mph. Otherwise the steering wheel does not move. 0-60 smooth as glass. 70 and beyond smooth as glass. This does not happen consistantly either that is what is so frustrating. Just when I think something has fixed it, it returns. The car itself rides extremely smooth. I have put the wheels and tires on my friends TA and they do not cause the same problem.

Thanks for all of the input, Any other ideas/suggestions.