Severe vibration through steering - HELP !

[ravi911]

Last night while coming back from a short drive I experienced a severe side to side vibration of the steering wheel as well as vibration through the body and also a grabbing effect from the brakes when I tried them.[]

I have had similar symptons before but very mild - always internittent and not speed related, ie. not a wheel balance problem. In fact I've been getting quotes to have the suspension redone and everything checked.[8|]

Haven't driven the car today as tied up with work.

Anyone have any ideas about what this could be and what I should look for.

Is it worth getting a local garage to put the car up on the ramp for a visual ?

All help gratefully received !

Thanks,

Ravi

 

[Mark Elder]

I'd definitely get it up on a ramp quickly for a good check - ideally without having to drive it - if the severness came on quickly it may be that something has actually disconnected.

 

[John Maddox]

I agree with Mark - get it checked - only drive it to the Garage as it is unusual to have this happen so suddenly.

 

[Melv]

Check wheel balance -weight may have dropped off; condition of wheels and tyres -any lumps missing? Then check discs for warping and condition of pads and lift wheels up to check bearings before you start worrying about suspension!!!!

 

[day1zero]

Sounds like wheel weight balance or tyre damage..........get checked soonest!!!

 

[Fred Hindle]

It sounds as if you may have a sticking disk pad. Give your brakes a general cleaning and copperslipping.

Cheers,

 

[ravi911]

Thanks all for suggestions.

I've ended up being tied up with work so have so far only jacked the car up at home and checked for any obvious problem around each wheel.

Everything seems to be in place with no undue movement.

Only thing was that the wheels didn't spin as freely as I'd expect as though the brake pads were rubbing a little.

Could this cause the discs to overheat and warp thus causing the vibration ?