Kristin Marie Jenkins

We have only had the truck for a couple weeks, and when my husband test drove it he noticed the steering was a little shacky/grabby when you are driving straight but it turns just fine. We assumed it was just the power steering pump so we bought it and replaced it but it didn't help any. To help explain, when you are driving down the road at any speed, the steering wheel feels jerky or like it's grabbing back and fourth, you have to use both hands to steer and it seems like you are all over the road. It's like driving race car your hands are constantly back in fourth. However, when you turn there are no problems at all. It feels smooth. Any ideas on what could be causing this problem?

mountainmanjoe

bad alignment or loose/worn out steering linkage.

Kristin Marie Jenkins

Wouldn't a bad alignment cause it to pull one way or the other?

Kristin Marie Jenkins

I should add that it doesn't make any noise and when the vehicle isn't moving the steering feels just fine.

mountainmanjoe

Not necessarily. Do you walk on an angle if you have pigeon toes?

How do the tires look?

Kristin Marie Jenkins

The tires are good

tech2

could be worn balljoints wheel bearings, steering linkage.. all of which are safety concerns. How did this pass a safety check?

mountainmanjoe

each tire is worn evenly across their width? L & R side tires worn the same?

Kristin Marie Jenkins

Didn't have a safety check done. We bought from an individual and had no problem getting insurance or the title!

Rednucleus

Sounds like it's time to take it to your favorite respected mechanic for a head to toe new vehicle inspection. Money well spent IMO.