steering shakes at 60 mph

RickeyDavis · 11-01-2008, 07:05 PM

I have a 74 Porsche 911 Targa with 94000 miles. Recently the front end takes to shaking hard at 60 mph. I also noticed that when park if I push down on the driver side front fender I hear a popping noise. I'm open to assistance.

oneblueyedog · oneblueyedog's Garage

Lower ball joint. Tie rod end. Flat spotted tire. Old tires. Imbalanced tire.

mtbguy · 11-01-2008, 07:58 PM

+1 on the above- I'm betting its the ball joint or tie rod most likely. They need to be replaced anyway at some point since the rubber doesn't last forever. I am about to do mine also- on mine it was the ball joint worse than the tie rod end (1987 carrera).

old man neri · 11-01-2008, 08:06 PM

Easiest to check is if you threw a weight off one of your wheels. However, it wouldn't explain the popping noise.

RickeyDavis · 11-02-2008, 02:25 AM

Thanks everyone for your reply.

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

I would also check in the smuggler's box on the steering wheel column "U" joints. The bolts were working their way loose. Once tightened, it took away the sloppiness.

mmn710 · 11-03-2008, 05:34 PM

Well with those miles it could be the other things but def re balance the wheels cause i had the same problem and balanced my wheels and it felt a lot better

dimeified · 11-03-2008, 05:40 PM

+1 on balancing the wheels.

DanS911 · DanS911's Garage

Amazing how much wheel balancing matters in these cars.

s5uewf · s5uewf's Garage

Could be a loose or worn wheel bearing, too...but might shake at more than 1 speed if so...

dimeified · 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanS911

Amazing how much wheel balancing matters in these cars.

i've had my car for 3 years with the tires that came on it from the po, and god knows how long HE had them on there. After a while, more recently, the car would jolt me left or right if i didnt hold on tight during normal driving conditions, and the wheel would always shake at 60+.

I'm no automotive expert, i chalked it up to bump steer. Well, i failed inspection because my tires were too worn. When i pulled the old ones off all i could think was "Now Cole, tires is what wins a race." Dry rot and cracks all over. I'm glad i know better now!

Anyway, the point is, with new tires on the car, and with the wheels properly balanced, the steering wheel stopped shaking, and the car doesn't unpredictably pull me left or right. I am still going to get an alignment before my new tires wear incorrectly like the old ones and exhibit the same symptoms, but just from having my wheels properly rebalanced, the drivability is 200%.