Starting To Feel A Bit Sloppy

[pablo200]

I have an 04 IS200 thats just coming up to the 65k mark. Recently it has started to feel a bit sloppy though the steering and when I go over certain bumps at speed I get a wobble and shake through the wheel. I'm thinking either track rod ends or balljoints, possibly even a wheel bearing as Ive yet to inspect it to see. I was just wondering what other people experiences were with this kind of mileage on your cars, what did you change?

Any help appreciated :winky:

[edeath]

Mines just about to hit 69k and ive just replaced my rear shocks as the car was boating a little bit round corners as they were leaking - but your problem seems a lot worse I recommend you get it looked at sharpish.

[Mossyn]

Take a trip to WIM mate

Get them to check it over and have an alignment check at the same time

You will not regret it

[pablo200]

Ive just had four new tyres and the alignment done recently. I guess it wouldnt hurt to get it re done, but its pointless until I find and fix the wobble issue and change what ever needs changing. Im thinking track rods is a good place to start as at motorway speeds I can wiggle the steering wheel back and fourth by about 15mm off centre and it just goes straight on without much change in direction. Although Im sure I read on here that the front ball joints are a common failure point. Excuse the ignorance, but where and what is WIM?

[douglexa]

hi , sounds like the problem i had on my altezza, new lower ball joints cured it.

[pablo200]

Cheers douglexa, thats what I was after, a bit of a similar experience and a cure to boot :winky:

[Steviewevie]

Excuse the ignorance, but where and what is WIM?

WIM are Wheels In Motion. One of their most common services discussed on these forums is to set the chassis geometry "properly" on an IS200, i.e. in a way that is far better than the original factory setup, in that it cures the premature tyre wear problem often seen on IS200s, and generally improves the handling.

I had it carried out on my own IS200 and I can't recommend it highly enough.

WIM do lots of other things too, but the chassis geometry set-up really is a "must have" IMHO.

[Paradroid]

I'd be interested to know how you get on with this. My car is 2004, 54k miles, and it seems fine. I can sometimes hear a quiet clunk at the front so the ball joints must have a bit of play in them but handling seems great.

Good luck with the car :)

[edeath]

paradroid - that clunk is more likely to be brake pads moving in the caliper. I've got one pad without clips at the front and it bangs around at low speed.

[HiTnRuN]

I think I've got the same problem on my is200, it has 74k mileage and when I go over bumps the car wobbles a bit, especially the back end. Did you find out what the problem was with yours?