Pulsating steering - not the discs.

[jammy]

'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

 

[FordMan77]

Probably a worn hub bearing or an axle.

 

[jammy]

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?

 

[FordMan77]

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.