Intermittant Steerin Wheel Vibration

[packer_edge]

Just bought a 2004 Quest from the dealership (preowned obviously). There was something wrong with the steering column as I was getting a clunking noise inside it. They replaced it under warrenty and that fixed that issue. Unfortunately, it didn't resolve an intermittent steering wheel vibration that I get ... usually between 80 and 100 km/h (which was there before the steering column was replaced). The problem is that the majority of the time it's fine, so when I go to the shop, they can't replicate the problem. But when it happens, it's very noticeable ... the steering wheel shakes side to side quite significanly. The front end of the vehicle appears to be good, according to my mechanic. I had the front tires balanced too. No one can explain the issue. Anyone come across this problem? Is this normal operating for this vehicle?
Modified by packer_edge at 6:26 PM 4/29/2009

[Rockford]

Not normal for this - or any - vehicle. I just bought a used '07 and noticed a shake/shudder at anything upwards of 115kph. It got worse the faster you went. I took it back and they balanced all 4 tires. Problem solved. Not sure what your problem could be. If it's intermittment you'd think it WOULD NOT be a balancing issue. If t were you should have it all the time, right?Sorry, not much help. Just thinking out loud here. Do you still have the clunk in the steering coloumn?

[basskronick]

My guess would be a problem with the rack and pinion, does it do it under certain circumstances? uphill? around a curve? under a load?

[Poyzinous]

Its intermittent, so it definitely isn't a balancing issue or a drive constant. If the warranty still applies to it, have the steering rack checked for leaks, pressure issues. The problem needs to be isolated. your Tech should drive it from low speed to high speed back and forth untill the issue is replicated.