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Steering Wheel Wobble

5K views 17 replies 10 participants last post by  DrPyro2k 
#1 ·
Hey all

Relatively new owner - question regarding a steering wheel wobble but first some specs so we're on the same page:

- 18" / 19" staggered "5-hole" factory package wheel setup
- 205 / 40 front and 245 / 35 rear Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+

Prognosis:
I'll start by saying that although this is my first road car without power steering, I've raced/DEed cars without power steering for nearly 5 years now and accustomed to what to expect, and what not to expect - and in this case I think it's something wrong.

Under 55MPH it's as you would expect - firm and tight with the exception of greater than average road bumps which may tick the wheel left or right. As I get to around 65MPH the wobble begins, left / right / left / right probably a 1/3 of an inch to 1/2 an inch from center to left or center to right. The steering in general becomes extremely light, almost too light IMO. It'll do this up to about 90 or so and it generally feels like it tightens up again at that point.

I wouldn't go so far as to say it's dangerous but it's getting close for my taste. I'll attempt to get a video of this up later today. What do you guys think? Just a case of bad balancing? When I bought the car, I asked to have them re-balance and re-align because it was doing this kind of thing at low speeds and although that appears "fixed", this happens now.
 
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#2 ·
Something is wrong.

Steering definitely lightens up at higher speeds, but I can’t say mine wobbles.

Consider the more advanced alignment settings as suggested by Gale in his intro thread, jamiealfa’s “steering geometry” thread, or in the alignment thread. The 4C seems to be very sensitive to minor changes in alignment.

While they adjusting alignment, they should confirm that nothing is loose (ball joints, suspension mounting points) and that the shocks are OK.

While the alignment may or may not be covered by warranty, everything else will be.

Good luck! Let us know what transpires.
 
#4 ·
Not good. Definitely take care of it before it becomes a real safety issue.

(I had my car safely up to nearly triple digits in my (urban) commute. Hopped onto the interstate in town for about 10 miles. Rock solid despite some uneven surfaces. Boom from the stock sports exhaust only after 90 mph, not below. So I don't know why some suggest the stock sports exhaust is bad 65-80 mph. However, I have a 2017 model year coupe.)
 
#5 ·
Something is definitely not right ..sounds like you are getting shimmy....confirm the alignment....especially the toe in...sometimes they get this backwards. Check ball joints, shocks, and wheel bearing for excess play. Also check air pressure in tires....don't go over the recommended pressures shown on the sticker on the door jam....26 front and 29 rear when COLD and check with a GOOD gauge.
 
#7 ·
Funny you mention toe, I've never seen toe like this on any road going car before but maybe this is normal, feel free to opine. The car tracks very straight which is good, it really is just the wobble. I have noted these points down and will specify when I bring car in.

energyhou,

Could be something as simple as a wheel weight missing. The wheels are statically and dynamically balanced when you have the tyres fitted. Having them out of balance will manifest itself at different speeds.

It could also be a damaged tyre, or even a damaged tire. Check the sidewalls in particular - put the steering on full lock and check the insides of the tiyrers (see what I did there) :grin2:

Whatever it is, get it sorted quickly as you don't want anything shaking loose at speed and spitting you across the road into on-coming traffic.

Cheers,

Alf.
Tyres are in excellent condition from what I can actually see but will have fully checked as well.
 

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#6 ·
energyhou,

Could be something as simple as a wheel weight missing. The wheels are statically and dynamically balanced when you have the tyres fitted. Having them out of balance will manifest itself at different speeds.

It could also be a damaged tyre, or even a damaged tire. Check the sidewalls in particular - put the steering on full lock and check the insides of the tiyrers (see what I did there) :grin2:

Whatever it is, get it sorted quickly as you don't want anything shaking loose at speed and spitting you across the road into on-coming traffic.

Cheers,

Alf.
 
#9 · (Edited)
Can you get 5 degree caster without suspension mods?

To the OP: I never heard the term "wobble" so I may be misinterpreting your problem. But a shimmy or shake in the steering wheel at 65 mph is almost always a front tire/wheel assembly. Out of balance. Possibly bent wheel. Possibly a bad tire. If a standard balance is hard to achieve without a lot of weight, get a road force balance to ensure the tires are good. Pirellis are bad, but you have Michelins which are normally much better. If the tires are good and the wheels are true, but still hard to balance, rotate the tire on the rim 180 degrees and rebalance. Tire techs should know this, but laziness often wins over pride of workmanship.
 
#11 ·
Under 55MPH it's as you would expect - firm and tight with the exception of greater than average road bumps which may tick the wheel left or right. As I get to around 65MPH the wobble begins, left / right / left / right probably a 1/3 of an inch to 1/2 an inch from center to left or center to right. The steering in general becomes extremely light, almost too light IMO. It'll do this up to about 90 or so and it generally feels like it tightens up again at that point.
This is NOT normal. I would check a few items first. First, check for any dented rims or bubbled tires on the front. I have killed one tire from hitting potholes in the 4C, and damaged 2 rims/tires from stupidity. You WILL feel any dent/bent rim on this car. It might not be noticeable at slower speeds, but definitely will at 65 mph and above. Second, check the alignment and for any loose suspension fittings. I would recommend the guys at Track Time Performance. They do all of my race prep and most of the work on my 4C now. They are located near TX-249 & Beltway 8. Just tell them David sent you. Mine will be there this week for track inspection....
 
#13 ·
Brief update: brought car in and took a tech on a short drive. His immediate response is a missing wheel weight and oddly we noticed some tape residue on one of the wheels near some weights - he found this is odd because they always clean up all residue so he thinks one has come off. Wasn't concerned with alignment but will be his second check if problem persists.

In any case, this week he'll be doing a road force balancing and will be re-checking / torque joints and suspension components while wheels are off.
 
#14 ·
Hi energyhou,

We are glad to hear that you are working with your dealer to have this concern resolved. However, if you are in need of an additional layer of assistance while your 4C is in service, please feel free to contact our team through private message.

Darlene
Alfa Romeo Social Care Specialist
 
#15 ·
Update: after 2+ weeks (because car got damaged while in possession, +1) I come to pick up and unfortunately the shake/shimmy is still very much present. Additionally, only the front two wheels were road forced - why they wouldn't just go ahead and redo all 4 from scratch is beyond me.

I also took one of their cars out for a test drive to prove my point - it was pretty clear.

That said - giving up on the dealer on this effort. Following @DrPyro2k 's advice and what my younger self would have done in the first place - headed to a performance specialist, starting (and likely ending) with Track Time Performance here in Houston.

Will update
 
#17 ·
Thanks for reminding me.....PLEASE....when you have an issue and our members spend a lot of time helping you by answering your questions it is important to let them and the rest of the Forum members know what the outcome was. Otherwise your original post was a complete waste of our members time.
 
#18 ·
@Pharmacyboy101 - I'll answer for him, if you don't mind.... The OP swap tires with a spare set I had to identify the cause of the problem (tires, suspension, or some other issue). With my spare tires there was no wobble at speed. I believe he ultimately took the car to a race shop to do a proper alignment and tire balance. I seem to remember that he had no issue after that.
 
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