Shudder/Wobble during constant speeds and deceleration
 

I have a 2001 Ford Escort (non zx2) and for a little while now it has shuddered/wobbled during constant speed, deceleration and coasting between 30 and 45 MPH. Above and below those speeds the car rides perfectly smooth. The shuddering feels and sounds like it's comming from the front end, and isn't transmitted through steering wheel or brake pedal. Further, coasting the car in neutral does not stop the shuddering. Applying the brakes tends to dampen the shuddering a little, but doesn't really stop it.

My suspicion is that my CV joints have gone bad, but I've read that the normal symptoms of CV joint failure are usually increased shuddering/clicking during acceleration and turning, with even worse shuddering/clicking during reverse. In my case, driving a circle in reverse doesn't seem to make the shuddering any more pronounced, and I haven't really noticed any increase in shuddering during any turning. In fact, if I punch it up to 50MPH, it won't shudder at all on the way up.

I checked the brakes and they're fine, and usually brake shuddering is felt in the steering wheel, so I'm pretty sure it's nothing to do with them.

I'll be jacking my car up tomorow to check for play in my CV joints, but I'd appreciate any other ideas on this issue, in case it has been seen before and there is something else I should be checking.

Many Thanks,
Taco

Ok, due to a sudden baby incident I only just a while ago checked my wheels for play. There is horizontal play in the driver's side wheel of about a centimeter.

So the two things I suspect it could be is: 1) The outer CV joint or 2) the bearing. Might it also be in the steering linkage somewhere?

Is there any way to distinguish which is the problem without replacing something?

Thanks,
Taco

While wiggling the wheel look underneath the car at the ball joints and tie rod ends if either of these are the culprit you'll be able to see the movement in them. If it is a wheel bearing you should be able to see the movement in the hub area. My guess would be the outer tie rod ends they are usually the first thing to wear out in the front end on the Escorts.

Thanks a lot FordMan. It was indeed the outer tie rod ends.

$60 in parts, 2 hours, and a $60 alingment later and all is well with the front end again.

Cheers,
Taco

Glad you got it fixed. Now it'll be safe to drive again.