Why does the (steering) wheel wobble?

[Andrew Finney <afinney@tamsconsultants.com>]

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The patient in this case is a '86 4kcsq with 158k mi.

The symptom is a shimmy or oscillation in the steering wheel
noticable
only when in the process of turning the wheel, and from about
5 to 40
mph.  The oscillation frequency changes with speed (so it isn't
the
rack, I guess) and above 40 mph is high enough to not be
noticed.  Tires
have been balanced and rotated front to back, symptoms
remain unchanged.

Is this a CV joint going South?  Anything else come to mind?

While I have your rapt attention, Is there anything else I should
likely be replacing on this car to return it to or improve upon it's
original reliability or performance.  Other than maintenance
items the
only things I have done to this car are:  Timing belt and water
pump,
front lower ball joints, mufflers, thermal switch, and alternator.

TIA,
Eric Rayl
ericrayl@nameless.com

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It could be one or both of the tie rod ends. Given enough play
the wheel housing will move in and out slightly producing a
vibration or slight jerking in the steering wheel.

Andrew Finney
1983 UrQ.