LR
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SteeringHigh severity

Violent steering wobble at speed (death wobble)

Safety or reliability risk. Fix promptly.

Symptoms

Sudden, violent shaking of the steering wheel and front end, usually triggered by a bump at 40 to 55 mph. Only stops when you slow right down.

Likely cause

A combination of worn front suspension and steering joints, most often radius arm bushes, Panhard rod bushes, a weak steering damper, loose swivel bearings or worn track rod ends.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Replace the radius arm bushes

    The front radius arm to chassis bushes are the most common culprit. Fit OE pattern rubber or quality polyurethane bushes and check the arms are not bent.

    Difficulty:
    Moderate DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  2. 2

    Replace the Panhard rod bushes

    Watch the Panhard rod while someone rocks the steering wheel. Any lateral movement at either end means the bushes are finished.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  3. 3

    Fit a new steering damper

    A damper only masks the problem but a dead one lets a wobble build. Replace it once the joints have been sorted.

    Difficulty:
    Easy DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  4. 4

    Set swivel bearing preload and check track rod ends

    With the wheels off the ground check for play top to bottom. Reset the swivel preload, then renew any track rod or drag link ends with play. Finish with a proper four wheel alignment.

    Difficulty:
    Moderate DIY
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

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