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Why is the steering on my 2010 Holden Barina unstable?

I recently bought a 2010 Holden Barina Hatch. It seems quite floppy in the steering, especially on straight stretches of road. Any suggestions as to why this would happen? It seems fine in town but feels a bit unstable on the open road.

A car that feels unstable even in a straight line is a potential death trap. The higher speeds on the open road (as opposed to driving around the suburbs) are obviously amplifying the problem, but whatever it is needs to be fixed fast. To be honest, I wouldn’t be driving it at all.

You could be looking at a problem with either the steering system itself, worn suspension or even a loose (or rusted) front cross-member that is allowing things to move in directions they shouldn’t. Don’t rule out poor wheel alignment or even incorrect tyre pressures, either. Has the car been crashed and repaired? Poor crash repairs can leave a car misaligned, making it steer and handle oddly. Either way, get it checked and fixed pronto.

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