Thread: Pulsating steering - not the discs.

'99 Grand Prix GT

When I'm driving and not braking, and I apply slight pressure on the steering wheel to turn on a curved road, I feel a very slight and subtle pulsation in the steering wheel. There is no pulsation when I brake, or when turning the wheel when the car is stopped (e.g. turning at a stop sign.)

What's the cause of this? Is it something to do with the power steering pump?

TIA

Probably a worn hub bearing or an axle.

Originally Posted by FordMan77

Probably a worn hub bearing or an axle.

Would I be able to tell by jacking up the front and checking play in the wheels? Would there be any way from the pulsation to tell which side may be affected?

Yes, jack up the front end until both wheels are clear of the ground and push/pull on the tire at the 12 and 6 o'clock position (basically try to rock it inward and outward). Side to side won't tell you anything.

If you get play in a hub it will show.

Axles I usually just grab the cv shaft inbetween the booted areas and push up on it. If there is excessive play then that cv is likely getting worn. There might be a better way to check an axle on here somewhere, it's just what I personally do.