Steering wheel shakes

2009 JAGUAR XF
60,000 MILES • 4.2L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DRUMCARFAR
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The steering wheel shakes, usually starting around fifty mph. It seems to not do it as bad or at all the first drive of the day, then it starts. All four wheels and tires are new and have been road force balanced several times. New upper control arms. The vehicle does not shake, just the steering wheel back and forth maybe quarter to half inch. The outer tie rod ends are very easy to swivel by hand, and I am able to rotate the pinion where it enters the rack by hand nearly a half inch, it also makes a click noise when rotated by hand. What is my most likely culprit before I start replacing parts?
Thank you.
May 8, 2018 at 6:38 PM
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STRAILER
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It sounds like lower ball joint are causing the problem which is the last thing it could be. Here is a guide to help you see what I am talking about:

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

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken

May 10, 2018 at 6:33 PM
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DRUMCARFAR
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Thank you, is there a way to test the lower control arm? Also, so you do not suspect the putter tie rod ends or rack and pinion based on the tie rods swiveling easily or the small amount of play in the pinion? Thank you
May 10, 2018 at 7:03 PM
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STRAILER
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Nothing in the front end should be loose. Can you shoot a quick video and upload it here so I can see what you are talking about? Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when changing the tie rod ends:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/tie-rod-end-replacement

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
May 11, 2018 at 10:03 AM
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DRUMCARFAR
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Hello. Sorry I am not sure how to upload a video). But when I grab the outer tie rod ends they return back and forth easily and clank metal to metal when fully rotated. Also, the shaking starts around fifty mph, maybe even a little lower, but sometimes it will not shake at all at that speed, then a couple minutes later will, then will not, then will. Does that sound indicative of a certain part wearing out or going bad? Thank you again.
May 12, 2018 at 4:30 PM
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STRAILER
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Sure does, sounds like low ball joints or tie rod ends or worn out. I would check the play on both.
May 13, 2018 at 10:58 AM
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DRUMCARFAR
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Thank you again. One more thing. Today while driving at lets say seventy mph, happens the same at many speeds forty five and above, it would be smooth then shake for a bit then be smooth again. So on. Does this point to any part over another? Plus when it is shaking and I go into a long turn it seems to smooth out while in the turn.
May 20, 2018 at 2:41 PM
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STRAILER
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Sure sounds like a tire problem. Can you rotate them front to back? I know they are new but it is worth a try.
May 21, 2018 at 9:43 AM