My car has massive 'over-steer'. The first 30 degrees turn in the wheel do little if nothing at all. If I hit a pothole or curb the wheels will move in whatever direction they choose. If I break hard the wheels will also pitch in whatever direction, regardless of camber on the road. This causes a massive steering problem. Has anyone any ideas?
I am getting no joy from my car and really need some help. A mobile technician drove the car and admits there is a problem, but nobody can seem to find it!!!

 

Power Steering pump?

 

What you described is understeer. Turing the wheel and not getting much response is understeer. Oversteer is when you turn more than expect, or the back end steps out.

First, is this a new condition? Was it once better? Maybe the suspension was set up to do that. Many cars are designed with "safe" understeer.

Assuming it used to be better, Tire pressure (all around) and wheel alignment are the first things I would check. Those are the most common things that affect steering/handling.

If the car is old, the steering rack could be worn, PS pump, worn bushings could all be a problem.

 

Assuming that the tie rod ends and ball joints are OK...Look for a bad rag joint. This is an often overlooked problem. Where the steering box meets the steering column is a rubber flex joint that is round and flat. There's usually a metal flange at the ends of the column and the box. Each has two bolts...180 degrees apart that bolt into the rag joint's four holes allowing it to function as a U-joint. You can look at this rubber joint all day long, and sware that it's OK, but if you take it off, you might see that it's ripped. A new one is cheap. Not all cars have them, but if your's does, it could be your problem.

MR

 

Thanks