Vibration in steering column

[Zenjeepster]

Well I picked up my '03 Renegade last week. Runs great except I'm getting a vibration in the steering column if I go over a a decent size pothole or bump. I took it back to the car lot and they went through it and can find nothing wrong. Thank God I have a warranty. Haven't had it off road yet, my Dr. said that should wait one more week to heal. Any thoughts as to what may be causing this??

'03 Renegade; took off the running boards, waiting on money to start mods

 

[KJ zGal]

I don't know about going over potholes, but typically the steering column will vibrate when a tire is low on air or they aren't properly balanced. Can also get it when the rotors need to be turned, which is what happened with mine, but I felt it only when braking. The steering wheel itself will turn a rather large amount if you hit a good sized pothole at a fast enough speed. Other than this, I don't have any suggestions.

 

[Zenjeepster]

Thanks for the tips zgal, I just bought it last week though and it has new tires balanced, new brakes and rotors, ball joints have been replaced. I'm stumped here. It feels like a bushing or something is worn. I may end up having to take it to the local dealer. By the way glad to hear your Renegade is going strong at 109k.

 

[kjweston]

avoid potholes

 

[Zenjeepster]

I wish it was that easy, if it's doing this on-road what will happen when I take it to the woods tomorrow? We shall see.

 

[LibertyFever]

Have you checked your ball joints?
There's a couple of postings on the web to explain how to check your ball joints in your own driveway.

I used to have a shimmy in my front end, I felt it in the steering wheel while driving at highway speeds. I attributed it to a new set of rims I had just installed. Maybe they weren't properly balanced or maybe even one of them was bent.

But last week I had the upper control arms replaced because the ball joints were shot. When I left the garage I discovered no shimmy. In fact I now find the steering to be real real tight, super!