Q: Why does my steering wheel want to jerk out of my hands when I turn i just changed out both front lower control arms

asked by on June 28, 2017

Why does my steering wheel want to jerk out of my hands when I turn i just changed out both front lower control arms on my 2004 infiniti G35. I noticed the driver side tire is straight and passenger side is toed in\ do you think I just need an alignment. Would bad front lower ball joints do this. Let me know asap thank you.

My car has 145000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

What you are describing sounds like a problem with the rack and pinion gears. The rack and pinion gear set does two things: It converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion needed to turn the wheels. It also provides a gear reduction, making it easier to turn the wheels by the use of reduction gears where the steering shaft connects. This system uses a torsion bar driven valve to direct and relieve pressure in a cylinder. When the steering wheel is not being turned, the steering valve is at rest. In this position fluid flows around the valve and out to the reservoir which is where the power steering fluid resides when not at work. Slight pressure also enters both sides of the assist cylinder. Because pressure is equal on both sides of the piston nothing occurs when the wheel is straight ad no assistance is need to turn the wheels either way. Occasionally you’ll notice that your steering wheel will make jerking movements or sudden turns to the left or right when not directed by you. This is typically the sign of loose bearings in the steering rack and the result of the steering rack literally moving without input. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

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