1998 Subaru Legacy - Bouncing Steering Wheel

[Charter]

I just purcahsed a 1998 Subaru Legacy with 93,000 miles on it. It is AWD
with the 2.5 engine and cruise control.

When you start the car off at slow speeds, there is a slight rocking in the
car. You can feel the left-to-right bump in the steering wheel. The rocking
is not as bad at higher speeds but does become more severe when braking from
higher speeds (i.e. an exit ramp off the freeway).

All four tires have been recently balanced and rotated. We do not feel any
knots on the tires and do not see any signs of tred separation.

A few people say the rotars could be causing the problem. Is this possible?

Thank You - KSC
(e-mail address removed)
(leave out number one if responding e-mail)

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I just purcahsed a 1998 Subaru Legacy with 93,000 miles on it. It is AWD
with the 2.5 engine and cruise control.

When you start the car off at slow speeds, there is a slight rocking in the
car. You can feel the left-to-right bump in the steering wheel. The rocking
is not as bad at higher speeds but does become more severe when braking from
higher speeds (i.e. an exit ramp off the freeway).

All four tires have been recently balanced and rotated. We do not feel any
knots on the tires and do not see any signs of tred separation.

A few people say the rotars could be causing the problem. Is this possible?

Thank You - KSC
(e-mail address removed)
(leave out number one if responding e-mail)

possibly a 'frozen' brake

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

possibly a 'frozen' brake

I didn't mean to send that but hit the wrong button! I was gonna guess
frozen brake caliper but I doubt the symptoms would be as severe as you
describe.

Carl

 

[strchild]

Not exactly sure what you're feeling, but might also check your CV boots,
the little rubber, accordian-like boots that are near each end of your drive
axles. Ripped / torn boots that have lost much grease from the CV joints
and allowed mechanical deterioration of the joint can cause vibration in the
steering, especially when cornering and under acceleration load.

Bad suspension components?

~Brian

 

[Sheldon]

I just purcahsed a 1998 Subaru Legacy with 93,000 miles on it. It is AWD
with the 2.5 engine and cruise control.

When you start the car off at slow speeds, there is a slight rocking in
the car. You can feel the left-to-right bump in the steering wheel. The
rocking is not as bad at higher speeds but does become more severe when
braking from higher speeds (i.e. an exit ramp off the freeway).

All four tires have been recently balanced and rotated. We do not feel any
knots on the tires and do not see any signs of tred separation.

A few people say the rotars could be causing the problem. Is this
possible?

Thank You - KSC
(e-mail address removed)
(leave out number one if responding e-mail)

I could be way off, but a warped rotor would certainly describe the
sensations you have when braking.