Steering wheel jerks even at low speed

[DollyP]

Hi all - Hope someone can help so that I can avoid being ripped off on repairs.
I have a 2007 Ford Explorer and a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that the steering wheel seemed to be vibrating when on the highway. I asked a mechanic friend about it and he said not to worry that most cars do that at some point in speed.
Now, I'm noticing that when sitting in traffic, if I let go of the steering wheel it doesn't just "veer" to the right, the steering wheel actually has a jerking motion to the right. Basically, I've discovered now that I'm fighting the steering wheel teh entire time I'm driving.
Anyone know what the problem could be? Expensive fix?

 

[Turdle]

First--your mechanic sucks. You complained of a steering issue and I bet he didn't even poke your truck with a screwdriver. He should have pried and prodded on the front end components with a crowbar. Fire him.

Have your new mechanic look for a worn wheel bearing on the passenger side-warped rotor, tire out of balance, worn ball joint, bent rim or cv axle wear.
Also, check the lug nuts and studs.

It may be a cheap simple fix, or, it may go quite high. Regardless , you need it fixed.

 

[waskly]

does it jerk when on the brakes or just when driving straight.

if you have a pull to a direction or, the wheel is going back and forth with not on the brakes it can be alignment is way off, and the wheels are fighting each other.

i have seen warped rotors sized calipers also do this.

hubs can be out of round.

few things to check most common is wear / play in the steering.

 

[1Aauto]

Also check the front sway bar stabilizers to see if they're worn out.