Questions and Answers

GMC Yukon Steering Wheel Vibration
Q. My name is Mark and a few years back I e-mailed you and said I decided to be a mechanic and go to school for it. It's been a tough road, but I'm glad I did it. I only have a few years under my belt, but have passed all 8 certifications to be considered a Master Tech.

I can usually figure out most problems, but here's one I ran across yesterday. I have a few ideas, but nothing concrete.

1998 GMC Yukon with a 5.7 liter engine with automatic transmission and about 130,00 miles. I test drove it to verify and found the description accurate. Once you hit 40-45 mph the steering wheel goes crazy from left to right and back and forth like you're driving on 2 front tires with very low air. Above 45 it's gone. Then it returns around 65 mph and disappears at 70.

All front end parts seem good, RF tire a little cupped but nothing to make this happen. Thinking along the lines of axles or front drive shaft, but want someone with more knowledge.

Thanks,
Mark

A. It sounds to me like a wheel balance problem. Maybe there is water in one or both front tires? Maybe someone added "fix-a-flat" to one tire? I guess it could be ½-shaft related, like a bad CV joint or tri-pod joint. Bad front shocks could case this to happen as well, and would explain the tire cupping.

The front drive shaft should not be turning unless it's in 4X4 but the front U-joints should be also looked at for play. Good luck.