99 Outback Sport front end problem

[Sleeping Monkey]

Got a problem with a 99 Outback Sport. Every time I hit a bump the steering wheel shakes for about two seconds. Not violently but it's there. What could it be shocks struts? Will take it in, but would like to work on it myself if possible.

Thanks,

Sleeping Monkey

[Jay!]

Shakes? Like the steering wheel rotates back and forth, or the actual steering column moves?

What size bump at what speed? On the brakes or not? Does the car bounce around, too?

Original struts on a 1999 car? (If so, I'd bet they're blown, for sure.)

[Sleeping Monkey]

I thought it out a little more on the way home from work. It 's at highway speeds that it is noticeable. Larger road seems and small potholes. It doesn't shake violently, but the steering wheel shimmies back and forth, about a quarter inch for a second or two. feels like the wheels are bouncing a little bit when it happens. Don't think it's the steering column. I bought the car a couple month ago as a commuter so I'm not sure about work that's been done. If it is the struts is it an easy fix?

Thanks Jay

Sleeping Monkey

[Jay!]

But sometimes it drives true with no shimmy?

Go out and push down on the front corner of the car, and see how many times it bounces, and how far. Repeat at each corner. If any rebound then drop back down by a significant amount, then your struts are blown, and you're just riding on the springs.

Change out isn't hard, but you need the right tools; namely the spring compressor. Do your DIY homework and you can get it done in an afternoon.