Front end shakes/wobbles, feels like tire is going to come off

Tiny
101010
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 2.7L
  • V6
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I recently started having a lot of issues with the steering and suspension components of my car. The first repair that was done (and definitely needed) were the rear wheel bearings. Long story short, the mechanic did not do it right and I ended up needing to get them replaced again right after.
After the second bearing replacement, the noise was gone, but I was still experiencing the same steering wheel issues (excessive side to side play and wobbling at low speeds or going over bumps). I had a certified mechanic do a full inspection and the diagnosis was worn tie rods (driver side inner, passenger side outer). I ordered parts and had both outer and inner tie rods replaced which caused severe misalignment in the front end (which I know an alignment is necessary after tire rod replacement) so I had the front end aligned.
After that, most of the problems went away, however, I am still experiencing a few steering and/or suspension problems.
The car now pulls slowly to the left which I am wondering might be a result of uneven tire tread? Drivers side has significantly more tread than passengers side. I have also been noticing a wobble in the front end that feels like the tire is going to come off, especially at lower speeds. I checked the lug nuts and none feel loose.
I also hear a slight scraping or grinding noise at all speeds but it does not sound like a bearing noise.
Also, the steering wheel is starting to develop side to side play the more I drive it.
I just put a lot of money into repairs so it will be a little while before I can get anything else done, but I wanted to see what some of the possible causes could be or if it sounds like something could have been damaged in the process of getting the other repairs done.
The vehicle is a smaller size SUV V6, automatic, with independent suspension, front disc and rear drum brakes if any of that information helps.
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Friday, September 23rd, 2016 AT 12:36 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
It sounds like the alignment can still be off but I would try rotating the tires front to rear to see how the car acts.

This guide can help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/steering-wheel-shakes-when-accelerating-or-braking

Please run down this guide and report back

Cheers
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Friday, September 23rd, 2016 AT 4:58 AM
Tiny
SAM.SMALL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for this post I had the same issue and rotating the tires fixed it! I love this site.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:15 PM
Tiny
ABKERZ96
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 HYUNDAI SANTA FE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 84,000 MILES
At speeds of 60MPH and higher, the front end of my Santa Fe shakes. Not sure if it needs a 4-wheel alignment. Can you advise?
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:16 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Have you checked tire balance? Also, check for a tire with shifted belts.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 5:16 PM (Merged)

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