Re: Demons in the wheel (summary, more help! :-)

[Chris Newbold <cnewbold@eznet.net>]

Well, thanks to all for the ideas about my front end/steering
shake... I've gathered a little more data about the problem.

It would appear that it is (no longer?) as temperature-sensitive
as I described it. Over the last few days, I've experieced the
same symptoms with ambient temps. in the mid-70s. The problem
is not dependent on engine RPM, either.

It occurs most often, or is most noticable, on deceleration--
coast-down, not braking; I've never noticed it under acceleration.

When the shaking "cuts in" I've noticed that the steering goes
very "light" and feels rather disconnected. I don't know if
this is just a simple illusion due to the shaking/ocilation or
whether it's another symptom...

STEADIRIC@aol.com wrote:
> Hmmmmmmm..... Liquid Filled engine mount.........

Any way to check them out? Will visual inspection reveal
any trouble? What to look for?

Darin Nederhoff wrote:
> Well, not on an Audi, but my '86 Merkur XR4ti did have a similar
> problem... it turned out to be worn bushings in the front
> suspension.  Might be something to check?

I hope not at only 31k miles, but, hey! Any tips on how to
check them out? Can I do this by simple visual inspection w/o
any disassemly?

heidi hudson wrote:
>...
> As a last resort, the mechanic flushed the brake system (noticed the resevoir
> cap had a crack in it) and replaced the cap.  The "demon" has disappeared
> completely and never reappeared.  The mechanic theorizes that there was water in
> the brake system and the flush took care of it.  I'm doubtful - but glad the
> demon is exorcized.

Hmm. Good call; I suspected something in the brakes too.. BUT...
the brakes were just flushed at 30k miles, and the problem
has persisted. Also, fooling with the brake pedal during one of
these episodes doesn't seem to make a difference.

Arun Rao and Mike Tuason wrote:
[stuff about bum CV joints]

Again, ACK! at only 31k!! Another one of my own first thoughts,
though. I checked all four joints (the car's only FWD) and the
boots were intact, so I'm assuming that they're okay...

Steven Buchholz wrote:
> I don't know if your car has a steering damper, but if it does
> you might want to look into that.  The problem I had with mine
> appeared only under acceleration though.

Is there any way to test one of these suckers? I've had mine
replaced about three times already because of various hidious
noises, so it wouldn't surprise me if another one's gone south.

Thanks again for all of the input, and I'll keep y'all posted.
-Chris