Could bad Shocks cause steering wobble?

[CJ1]

Hi,

I have a 2011 Polo 1.6 TDI, decided to take a look under the wheel arches and found this on the front driver side...



Here’s the passengers:




This was an advisory back on the MOT in Nov 17, however looks really awful now! I think they are the original shocks so 7 years old with 60,000 Miles on them. Do you think it’s worth getting them changed now in pairs, or wait to the MOT is due?

Ever since I got the car in 2015 it’s had a steering wobble, balanced the wheels which helped a bit, then realised it had severely warped brake disks so changed the fronts, however not the back (which are originals too I think) as I didn’t think they would have too much of an effect.

And it’s still wobbling!

So, will changing the front shocks sort the steering wobble? Or do you think it’s the back Brakes?

Thanks
CG

[GreenV8S]

Wouldn't expect rear wheels/brakes to make any difference to steering wobble. Also wouldn't expect front dampers to make any difference to it, and wouldn't expect brakes to either except while actually braking. However, if the damper is leaking it is now or soon will be in a state where it impacts the ride and handling so worth replacing (as a pair, obviously) as soon as convenient.

Steering wobble is most likely a front wheel out of balance or out of round.

[PositronicRay]

GreenV8S said:

Steering wobble is most likely a front wheel out of balance or out of round.

This.

However worn suspension/steering components will allow or even exaggerate the problem. Change them if worn but it may improve but won't address the root cause. Something out of round or out of balance.

[227bhp]

If they're leaking they're fked and dangerous so you'll be changing for a pair of new ones anyway.
Won't you?

[pidsy]

Check your driveshaft coupling.
My old Audi developed terrible steering wobble and it was the drivers side shaft.

[E-bmw]

As above the shocks are goosed & need to be replaced anyway - no-brainer.

Steering wobble (not under braking) is caused by an irregularity in the wheel/tyre contact with the road, this can either be wheel balance, wheel buckled, flat spot on rim. Whilst suspension issues won't cause this they can certainly exacerbate the issue to the point that it is much worse.

Just because the wheel balances doesn't necessarily mean that it is round & true.

Many times this can be missed as to balance the wheel you hide it from view when you drop the guard over the wheel.

[CJ1]

This was the last MOT

[227bhp]

Er and?
You do understand what 'Advisory' means?

[CJ1]

227bhp said:

Er and?
You do understand what 'Advisory' means?

I sure do, il be honest though I didn’t notice the advisory re the bead rim when it was done!

I didn’t think a rear rim would make such a difference re steering wobble.

Edited by CJ1 on Sunday 17th June 12:23

[GreenV8S]

I wonder whether the car has been curbed at some point resulting in visible damage to the rear rim and just pushing the front rim slightly out of true.

[CJ1]

Shocks ordered off Eurocarparts! When I take the car in for them I will ask them to investigate the steering wobble.

Thank You Everyone

[Pope]

Get someone to drive alongside you at 60mph - check for the control of the wheel over cats eyes or bumps; try both sides. I drive the M4 110 miles every day and see cars with bouncing front and rear wheels almost every journey - often wonder if anyone pays any attention - some cars as young as 65 plate; pinging about like Zebedee on speed......

If the strut was leaking the damping may be lost altogether.