Front end "shudder"

[Spurlee]

My '96 Eldorado periodically shudders when turning at low speeds - parking lot maneuvers - it goes away right after I lube the front end but returns again over time. I'm guessing it's the ball joints getting old. Any other ideas?

If I need to, are ball joints an easy DIY fix?

Thanks!

Scott

[Scotty]

This is not likely your ball joint, I would expect the ball joint allow looseness that would transfer shock more and possibly grind on turns.

My guess because you used the term shutter is that your strut bearing is defective. With your hand on the spring, have someone turn the wheel slowly and see if the spring appears to wind up and pop when it releases. See this post by KGER:

http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=7576&hl=

[danbuc]

Hmmm...sounds exactly like what my cars does. I've suspected the strut bearings for a long time now, but never got around to checking them. I'll have to try that turning the wheel while feeling the spring thing tomorrow.

[JasonA]

Mine does the same. I always thought it was the rack itself, but I'm thinking more and more it's the strut bearing. It only happens when the left strut is loaded (turning right), and the left strut bearing is also the one that groans and squawks over some larger heaves in the road.

[Regis]

Jason,

If you get the front end up in the air so both front tires are hanging, ignition (but not running) on and in neutral, then grab the tire at 3 and 9 o'clock and turn the wheel side to side fully. Then do the samething on the other wheel. Check to see if your spring(s) is shuttering, skipping, or stuttering as you move the tire side to side. If it's stuttering you'll notice it more at the top of the spring where it meets the strut mount.

[JasonA]

I'll give it a try, but I doubt I'll find anything. In most situations, I do not get a shudder. It's only when the front left of the car is fully loaded (like turning right off a street) and even then, it doesn't ALWAYS do it. There are a few places where it'll do it every time. Driving into my wife's parents' neighborhood is one instance. You turn off the road, going downhill, to the right. All of the weight of the car goes straight to the left front, and it shudders every time. Only when the steering wheel turns. If I'm turning, but the steering wheel is steady, it's fine. It's only when the axis of the front wheel/strut is turning in relation to the strut mount.

I think I've finally isolated that to be the problem, so I may have just the left front strut mount replaced and not even worry about the struts. They're still original, but I'm not unhappy with the ride at all. That in itself would make the drive much more enjoyable.

[worldweb]

My Deville did something similar and it was the CV joint. Replaced it and the hesitation and shuddering when turning was gone. I think mine was damaged when I hit a monster pot hole on the front drivers side. It is real easy to check and if it is loose then that is likely the problem or part of it.