Just bought 91 Mercedes 300E - Suddenly started to wiggle-woggling at higher speed on freeway. ?

Question

I hadn't noticed this issue before. My first thought is Sway control or such. Someone commented that it could maybe be the new winter Blizzack tires the previous owner slapped on, (it's like 100 degrees and higher here) and they suggested that its messing with the tires. It's not a massive drifting or swaying, but enough to notice, and have to counter steer a little. I don't notice it at slower speeds at all even when hitting bumps.

Answer 1

Try getting a wheel allignment.

Answer 2

First of all, Blizzaks are great winter tires, but if the temperature is 100 degrees, you have to be a little mad to be running them at high speed. An appropriate set of tires would be a good starting point, no matter what else is wrong.

If the car is drifting consistently, then it's likely wheel alignment, but it doesn't sound like that's the case. If the car feels good in a straight line, but feels unstable or vibrates when you turn the wheel slightly, then look for a problem with your tie rod ends or drag link. If the problem is noticeable only on hard cornering, sway bar or ball joints.  

Answer 3

I agree with sha1gon I was having the same problem with my car and that is what they told me i needed along with new tires.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have a bad steering stabilizer, it's a small shock absorber on the steering linkage.

Answer 5

If you need to counter balance the steering, you definitely need an alignment. When the car had the old tires, they were probably worn more towards one side, so the car rode even. Now, since the tires are new they are being forced to ride on a certain part of the tread, which is causing the car to pull very slightly. Now, for the vibration problem. Since they are new snow tires, they have a lot of meat on them (tread). Make sure they are balanced properly. If they were not balanced properly, then this is causing your problem. A tire shop should be able to balance your tires for, probably $5 a tire. You won't feel the vibrations unless you are driving at highway speeds. They don't need to be balanced for mechanical reasons. Balancing a tire is solely for comfort reasons, so the car drives smooth. Hope this helps!

Answer 6

could be alignment, it could need a tire balance, or the tires are worn.