Why is your steering rocking from side to side?

Answer 1

If the steering wheel does not turn the wheels immediately, but there seems to be a slight delay before the vehicle begins to turn then it points to a serious problem with the steering system. The rack and pinion may be worn. The tie rods may be damaged.

Whatever the problem, if you are not suitably qualified to investigate the problem you should take the car to your dealer or local mechanic to have it checked over.

If the steering wheel turns the wheels normally but you are experiencing the wheel rocking from side to side whilst driving along a regular road then the wheels may not be balanced correctly or the tires are worn. Take your car to a dealer or a local mechanic who can check the wheel balance and the steering geometry and correct it.

If the car is second hand, it may have been driven up and down kerbs or over bumps which has knocked the steering geometry out of alignment.

You should have your steering geometry, wheel alignment and wheel balancing professionally checked at least once a year.