When I'm going about 5mph the steering wheel wants to jerk to the right. it seems to sync witht he rotation of the wheels--if i let go of the wheel it will jerk to the right from 12noon to 1'o'clock and then on the next rotation to 2 'o' clock and so on.

When I speed up the whole wheel just rattles around-

What does this sound like and whats the best way to fix it.

cje

Have you checked your lug nuts?

Yeah, I would defintely think that it is a tie rod end or a Ball joint. Take the car and jack it up a little off the ground. Grab the wheel at 3 and 9 o clock. Jerk it back and forth and have a friend or yourself see if there is some play in the tie rod end. It is a common problem. Also check the tire pressure in all 4 tires!
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92 240 2.3 L 98,000 Miles...Almost 100,000

I agree with Interstition-
jack up each front wheel and spin the tire. One has a big lump in it, I bet, from belt failure or tread separation. Replace it immediately before it blows out on you. I had two do this last year!

While each wheel is jacked up, grab the tire at top and bottom and shake it- then repeat while holding it at front and back. Play in either direction is bad, but is caused by different parts being worn out.

Report back with your findings.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 229K, 88 744GLE- 218K, 82 245T-181K Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 231K, 87 244DL, 239K, 88 245DL, 246K

Sounds like you have problems with the steering linkage. Rack & pinion could be worn out or if your lucky it's just a tie rod end or a ball joint. Could be the tires but if the steering wheel is pulling out of your hands you have bigger problems.


Good Luck...
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Volvos4me4ever 1989 245 266K miles still going strong

Sounds like a front tire to me. Swap them with the rears and if it goes away, that's the problem. Then swap just one pair back to see which one it is. Could be badly out of balance (lose a balancing weight?) or it could have a broken belt inside.
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Andy in St. Paul, '91 745 Regina 190K mi, '89 244 137K, '87 245 RIP