348 steering wheel shakes since new rims and tires

I had to have my steering rack rebuilt due to steering issues... this (steering rack nylon bushing failure) is a well known problem.

 

All things considered, the simplest solution tends to be the correct one. Since the problem started with changing wheels and tires the likely cause is something wrong with wheel or tires. Have the wheels check for out of round and run out, off center bolt pattern, etc.

 

What are the new wheels?

sjd

 

Rim out of round?

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How big are the new wheels? If they are too big and heavy chances are there's just too much unsprung weight so the car just isn't happy with them. Old ball joints and bushes in the suspension will have a bigger reaction even if they appear to be fine cosmetically.

 

Use a dial gauge measure wheel runout...google it.

Also look at your wheels. How much weight is added to balance the wheel tire combo? Modern wheels with modern tires once you get to about 2 oz you are where you can feel some out of roundness vibration at the wheel. Experience tells me this is about 0.40" out of round.

 

Easy fix. You said you had no problem with the original rims and tires.

 

If you have runout then is it wheel or bearings. Some can feel the bearing play. If you cannot then move wheel say LF to RF and test again. No runout = bearing worn Runout=wheel bent

 

Steering column has some play you say? Lift up the front passenger side and check the rack end play.

 

Most common thing would be a tire problem or tire balance problem. If the rims are aftermarket, you may need a centering ring for the hub.