Hey all. New drama. When driving home last night, my steering wheel started shaking. I was going over smooth road at the time. The shaking got worse to the point where I had to pull over. When I braked or accelerated, the shaking got worse but when I turned the wheel, it stopped. I know my hydraulic rear bushes need replacing but other than that, the car is fine. When I drive it to work this morning, no rattle at all. It drove beautifully. What is my car doing, and is it dangerous? Steering/control over the car was not affected at all

When I braked or accelerated, the shaking got worse but when I turned the wheel, it stopped. I know my hydraulic rear bushes need replacing but other than that, the car is fine.

What are hydraulic rear bushes?

Obviously the car is NOT fine if it is doing a shimmy.

Depending on the km on the speedo, it could be anything from an out of balance wheel, loose bolts in the front suspension to worn components like tie rods, tie rod ends, ball joints, etc.
Is it dangerous? You work out what is wrong, then tell us.

Definitely needs looking at. Start by seeing if your wheel nuts are done up tight. lol

I can't remember what the bushes are called. They are the big ones near the front struts. I will have a go at tightening the nuts then see what happens but it was only this one time. Other than that, the car is a dream to drive

They are the control arm bushes come to think of it

Do you mean the lower control arm bushes? Or the strut mount?

As for your problem - it could be a variety of issues. Obviously - first check that the wheel nuts are tight enough. I'd recommend undoing them, jacking the car up and re-tightening them in a star pattern - i.e. tightening 1st lug nut, followed by 3rd one (clockwise), then 5th, then 2nd and finally the 4th nut. Drop the wheel back on the ground and repeat tightening procedure. If possible - use a torque wrench to ensure you tighten the bolts to the right specifications.

Then take a drive and try get to higher speeds - i.e. 80,100km etc (*insert disclaimer here about being on the freeway and not breaking the speed limit*) and see if there are any vibrations. This usually means the wheels are unbalanced or out of alignment. You can check alignment by driving on a flat road and letting go of the steering wheel. Does the car harshly turn to the left or right?

Then start inspecting the front end. Look at all the bushes, control arms, tie-rods, struts etc for any loose connections, cracks, oil/grease etc don't forget to check the steering knuckle and your power steering assembly. Check your power steering fluid as well. The fluid should be an amber/yellow-orange colour. Have you ever heard any high pitched whine noises from the steering column?

Do these inspections and let us know how you go.

This happened on the freeway yesterday. After I got off the freeway (doing 90), it continued until I got home. If I let go of the steering wheel, it will veer left (not violently, but enough), so it looks like I need a wheel alignment. I took the wheels off the other day and tightened them right up when I put them back on. They are not loose at all. I have fluid leaking from the lower control arm bushes. (which I suspect are the ones that need to be replaced).

The power steering fluid is good. It is a light amber colour. The steering column is fine, there are no leaks or anything that looks worn or out of place. The struts are new, and there are no oil leaks except for the bushes I mentioned above. The power steering assembly is fine and I don't know what tie rods are. I hope this just needs an alignment.

Lower control arm bushes don't contain any fluid to leak out. Must be from somewhere else above that.

When you get an alignment done, ask the guy to check for play in the steering components first. It needs a close eyeball inspection by someone who knows what to look for. A wheel alignment will do SFA if bits are flopping about.

Remember that cars are designed to veer to the left slightly so that if the driver becomes incapacitated the car will not enter the path of other motorists. Its not sharp, but will veer left. How sharply does it turn?

It will actually turn. It isn't just a slight veer. If I let go of the wheel doing 50 it will be on the kerb instantly. Looks like its getting booked in for inspection. Watch this space

How are your CV joints?