The tires on my 81-300sd feel a little wobbly on gradual turns (at about 20 mph). I have good air pressur in them and they are new tires (one month old Michelins). It feels like when your tires are out of balance, but it is only on the gradual and slow turns?

What is the culprit?

Don

First thing I would check are the lug nuts, are they tight? Don't ask me how I know about this...but it can and does happen.

How's your front end, ball joints, tie rods..everyting good there?

I just replaced the steering damper and that was a noticable improvement.

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Mark
1983 300TD Wagon
Even a broken watch is right twice a day

There's a steering rack dampener like a long skinny shock absorber that might help to be replaced. Or could be brake callipers dagging a little when you cut the wheel. And what kinda shape are the rotors in?

Nearly new tires, proper inflation, only feels weird in some turns-I'm thinking alignment or loose/worn front end components.

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Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 401,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 26,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.
99 Mazda Miata 183,xxx miles.

The rotors, calipers, and pads are fine.

Is there a way to check the steering rack dampener and is it safe for me to replace?

I will check the lug nuts tomorrow.

I am not sure how to check the front end parts myself, so I guess I will take it in to be diagnosed and then try to replace the bad parts myself.

Alignment...it is pulling a little to right at higher speeds...

Don

From what you just said, I'd suspect the tie rod ends first. And it doesnt make much sense to replace em yourself, should be included with allignment service that will also diagnose the entire suspension. The rack dampener is not real critical but an easy DIY project. You can test it by disconnecting one end and pumping it to check for resistance - but kinda moot if susp parts are worn.

I think my steering damper could stand to be replaced too, I've noticed the mentioned issues with mine lately....perhaps I'll order one sometime soon....

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