Front end vibration over bumps ?

[K9Torro]

Hey Guy's

Would like some thoughts on a new problem that just came up on a business trip,

Car: 1986 Turbo 144K

Problem:

When hitting moderate bumps on the interstate like at the bridge crossings or other bumps on the road I get a side to side movement of appx 1/2 to 1 inch of my steering wheel, the car does not change direction just feels like someting has worked loose, I also hear something that sounds strange like a worn out strut or shock under my front end. This is a new problem that has never come up before.

I have shaken every thing I can get hold of and checked the front lug nuts and found nothing wrong that I can see. I have also bounce tested the front struts and they seem pretty stiff to me, I have replaced the rear shocks but not the front struts, could this be the problem ???

Todd

[Tervuren]

Sounds like mine, which is in current need of new front struts.

[SoCal Driver]

I would second the shocks/struts. Look at the top of the units. Bet they're leaking.

[K9Torro]

Thanks for the replies , what is the best deal on replacing these ? Can you just change out the cartridge or is it better to just replace the whole unit itself ?

Todd

[Razorback1980]

Could be struts, but I would do a lot more checking. It sounds to me like you have something loose in the front end. Do you have much side to side play in the steering wheel when it's sitting still? If you don't know how to check tie rods or ball joints have someone you trust check them for you. Also check the universal joint in the steering linkage.