Wobbly handling

[jbw]

I might be paranoid but I'm convinced over the past couple of months my steering has gotten worse. I know the weather hasn't been great but I reckon I've had the car long enough and remember how well it held in the wet previously. If anyone can shed some light on what the following symptoms might be I'd be really grateful.

• At times it feels like there's some play in the steering wheel - i.e. I turn the wheel a little but not alot happens.
• The tighter the turn the more effort I've got to use to turn/hold the steering wheel.
• If I've taken a tight turn or manouvre I find correcting requires some strength. Once straight again the steering is fine.

There are no creeks or groans whilst manouvring or turning but there are knocking noises from the front when going over bumps and un-even ground. I'm guessing that's the bushes/ARB needing replacing.

Any ideas (short of taking it to the specialist)?

 

[jesters3]

Check your ARB Droplinks for any play. I had a skittish rear end and now they have been replaced it does feel more surefooted. You will need to get it up on a ramp to check.

 

[Crazypete00]

check your wishbone bushes and arm bushes, i had this problem and they were extremly worn. much better handling now. feels solid now

 

[jojo]

Have you checked your tyre pressures recently?

 

[jbw]

Cheers for all the suggestions chaps. Tyre pressures have been checked and they're spot on. I'm gonna get her in the garage soonish and have the bushes/droplinks checked. Worst time for it financially but I'm tired of this skitish behaviour.