Steering question

[Nippon Tuck]

Quite loose steering on my Bongo, 95 Freetop. Steering wheel judders at 70ish which I am guessing could be the tracking. But the main problem I am noticing is that when cornering or roundabouting the steering pulls fractionally, a strange sensation like it wants to take control. I do need to change the front tyres as the edges are worn a bit too much. Could it be the tyres or something more metalic?.

[francophile1947]

Which edge is wearing?

[WISHIHADABONGO]

Firstly, you seem to have several problems that could be leading to what you experince...

This is what I would do, but please done blame me if I'm not right.

Have two new tyres fitted and get your tracking done. (tyres can cause vehicle to track funny once worn)

As tracking does not cause judder (worn tyres could), and you say you have loose steering, the most likely cause is the front two drop links, buy Vecta ones about a tenner each from Ebay and see how you get on.....

If the problem still persists then I would start by checking the brakes....

let us know how you get on....

[missfixit70]

Juddering could be wheels need balancing, especially if they're alloys.

[trevd01]

My thoughts (confirming what other have said):

• New tyres
• Wheel balance
• Tracking
• Drop links

[waycar8]

had the exact same problems, did all of above, ended up to be the wishbone bushes, front and back as theres 2 for each wishbone, had them replaced, £80 from mazda for both sides 4 in total, and then there was fitting and obviously the 4 wheels allignment, i think it was an extra £90ish quid on top of the price for the bushes.

what a difference it was too have it was done

[dandywarhol]

Tracking CAN cause judder (shake) - tracking properly allows to "load up" the steering and help cancel out shake - especially with McPherson struts which the Bongo has.

Might be worth changing the power steering fluid - old, aerated fluid can cause the power steering to "grab"

[Nippon Tuck]

WOW!

I was feeling unloved for a few days and then I get a flock of responses, thanks.

I will get two tyres in the morning and an alignment and ask them to look at the other bits. Heading off for a few days from tomorrow. Can the other solutions, if they are necessary, wait til I come back?