Steering Wheel Jerks Really Bad
Hello,
I have a 1997 Ford Escort LX for use as just a winter car. Both of the balljoints were recently changed. The tire pressure was also recently checked and the tires are practically new. The power steering fluid was also recently checked. I will try to describe what has recently happened today. I made a left hand turn and after the turn was completed my steering wheel apeared to be stuck facing the right. As I drove down the road the steering wheel suddenly jerked right and the car practically made a right hand turn I had to jerk the car back to the left very fast. After that the car drove normal. Well a few more miles later I came to a red light and slowed down to stop. The steering wheel went back to facing the right again. And just like last time a little ways later the car jerked very quickly to the right. Almost as though someone was jerking the steering wheel from my hands. I made it to yet another traffic light this time I was turning left. As I was making the left hand turn there was this loud scraping sound as I was turning. After I completed the left hand turn the steering wheel was facing the right yet again. I was so nervous that this time around I pulled into a state park and called someone for a ride home. It was late at night and I was just trying to get home. Here are some other facts, today it was extremely cold. I did stop to check out the car, the tierods were fine the ball joints were fine. I was thinking of either a problem with the rack or a brake problem. I should mention the brakes are fairly new and the car stops just fine. There doesn't seem to be any brake dragging. Also the very first time it jerked it made an unusual clunking sound. The driver side also recently had the entire half shaft with both C.V. joints replaced. Any one got any suggestions? I don't want to get killed in this car but I also kind of need it to get me through the winter and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
-Jim
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01-08-2006, 12:58 AM
