steeling wheel loose, shakes

[PeterGustavsson]

Wondering if that is normal or maby some 'bushing' are shot. the wheel moves ever so slight, but when i took the front speaker/air vent cover off to inspect the water heater today i noticed its moving all the way down by the gear connector, just before the firewall, maybe about a 1/4" even, well maybe a little less. something to replace there?

[c900]

Originally Posted by PeterGustavsson

Wondering if that is normal or maby some 'bushing' are shot. the wheel moves ever so slight, but when i took the front speaker/air vent cover off to inspect the water heater today i noticed its moving all the way down by the gear connector, just before the firewall, maybe about a 1/4" even, well maybe a little less. something to replace there?

Shaking/vibration through the steering wheel can been a few things. Worn inner CV joints is one, or a problem with wheel alignment. Check out the control arms (especially the lower ones) and make sure they are not cracking at the welds though I don't know if problems there would reflect in the way the steering feels.

There is a uni-joint in the steering column and it could be binding through lack of lubrication.

Craig.

[S900t8v]

agree

wheel balance

then suspect inner drivers

if it's on braking then you have warped calipers or bad pads

[Banman]

Worn universal joints (U-joints) in the steering column would create 'play', (slack, slop, looseness) in the steering wheel. This can be a problem, but would not cause the symptoms you describe.

Raise each front wheel seperately (one at a time) and try and move it back and forth, first with your hands at 6 & 12 oclock and then at 3 & 9 and report back to us any looseness you find.

[PeterGustavsson]

i made a video of it, this is taken from below the dashboard (as i had to take the heater control valve yesterday )
in the engine bay it moves all the way down to where it connects to the rack, the rack and the connector there dont wiggle as far as i can tell.
i think its something in the shaft closest to the wheel.... Is this anything worth fixing though??

Wiggling Saab 900 steering wheel - YouTube

Wiggling Saab 900 steering wheel - YouTube

[peva]

There are two needle bearings in that part of the shaft; upper and lower. Looks like at least one has gone.

Article : Needle bearing PartNo : 8935025 Upper

Article : Needle bearing PartNo : 8936163 Lower

[PeterGustavsson]

ah ya, thought something like that.... next project
well not now, guess i should find some parts first.

thanks!