I've got an '85 245gl - have had it for about two months, and am working on diagnosing some front end issues.

issue (1) while driving in a straight line, at any speed, when I enter a turn(either left or right) i feel a "notch" for lack of a better idea in the steering.... steering u-joints? bushings? alignment?

issue (2) at speeds between 45mph-55mph in either 4th or 5th gear, whether or not the vehicle is under load, I get this constant vibration... kinda general, i know, but not sure where to start...

any help would be much appreciated!

m.c.

You may want to squirt some BPBlaster on the steering shaft u-joints, as well as where the shaft goes into the steering rack. My 89, developed a very strange groan and a slight notchy feel on turns. A good blast of the blaster and steering is back to normal.

Wheel wobble / vibration could be a lose wheel bearing. Lift a front corner and check for play. I've had to tighten at least one, at one time or another, on each of my bricks.

Al
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84, 242GLTi, 167K, 4+OD, in hibernation; 89, 245 DL, 240K, M 47, daily driver; 93, 245, auto, 167K ; and other toys.

I'm wondering if the "notch" is in the steering column u-joint or the strut mount bearing(s). You might check these two things in the archives.
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Thanks everyone for all the information and advice, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, B21F (non-Turbo), M46; 86 244, B230, 140k , auto.

Is the "notch" that you feel in the steering at the same spot in the travel of the steering each time? Or is it more random? Does it vary with road conditions or speed? Is there a sound connected with it? Is there a feel that you can describe that comes through the steering column and steering wheel?

Vibrations that start up around 45-50 mph are the classic symptom of imbalanced tires. Get them balanced and the vibration will probably stop.

that "notch" is really just a bit of resistance. I've replaced the shocks/struts, springs and sway bars recently - just fyi - but the resistance and vibrations were present before. there are just so many components to the front suspension, I'm not sure where to start on this one - as for the vibration, it's mainly noticeable through the steering wheel, a visable shaking... both front tires have been replaced in the past month, so they're balanced. I haven't had an alignment, because the cars still tracks straight after the shocks/struts/springs replacement... do i need one?

any advice helps - thanks!!

m.c.

I think you might need to have the alignment checked. What you may be feeling is the change in toe as you turn, so the wheel is now tracking and not scrubbing. My Audi did this. I changed the tie rod end, carefully measured -twice. The car would drive fine, but had an odd catch to the steering. After about 5,000 miles I could see why, front tires bald on the edge. So had it aligned and drove perfect and tire wear was excellent. Thats my two cents.

Mike