Steer wheel shaking problem?

Question

I find this from craigslist,

http://delaware.craigslist.org/cto/813074545.html

I've contacted the owner and test drove it on a highway,

when the speed exceeds 65MPH,

I could clearly feel the steer wheel is shaking,

the owner told me that is because the engine is small, the RPM is very high at this speed. What causes the shaking problem?

Answer 1

After attaining high speed (65 or over) let the vehicle coast and if the shake is still there its not the engine but probably a tire that needs balancing. Let your local tech drive it to be sure because even though  tire balancing is the usual cause your problem may be a more serious "out of balance" condition.

Answer 2

I agree with whistler, I had a shaky wheel before and it turned out to be bad alignment, but it could be a bad bearing as well.  Either way, an easy, cheap fix.

Answer 3

Your seller may be painting you as a sucker.

Although the car is priced right, If the car is shaking and it has new tires, you will have problems.

Answer 4

it could be that your bolts on your wheel are not tight enough or our bearings are broke take it to your local garage and ask

Answer 5

There is one of three problems and none of them are huge.

1. Warped brake rotors.  You'll need to replace the rotors.  This will cost about $150 to $250 depending on the car.

2. Flat spots on the tires from skidding or flat spots from being parked in one spot for a long time.  You'll need four new tires, $250 to $500.

3. Wheels are out of balance.  You'll need to balance tires, about $70 for all four.  This last one's the least likely.

It's not the engine.  Steering wheel shake from a motor mount would be more pronounced when stopped at idle with the engine in gear.  Also, a damaged motor mount in a small engine is unlikely.  Because there is a problem that you and the owner agree on, I'd go get the car checked out by a mechanic before you buy it.  Who knows what he's not telling you about.

****

I just read the ad and still think I've probably got it.  A car with that many miles with a 3 cyl. engine would worry me a little but I see he said he put a new engine in it.  Any car without the original engine scares me, especially one that hasn't been made in about 12 years.  But, at $1,000, how wrong can you really go.  If it lasts you a year you got your money's worth.  And for a $1,000 I don't think you really have anything to worry about with a little shimmy in the wheel.

Answer 6

Could be the engine mounts

Answer 7

could be one of two things bad bearings or unbalanced tire

Answer 8

wheel alignment and or wheel balancing should be the first to consider ..then steering box and tierod ends needs to be checked to..