Steering Wheel Vibration @ 65+ MPH???

[JCamry94]

What up guys? I haven't posted in a long time due to lack of modding, from financial constriction, but anywho....

I have in the last few months experienced a very good amount of vibration in my steering wheel when I push the car over 65+ MPH on the highway. The front end suspension is relatively new and in good shape. I have KYB struts and lowering springs, and everything else is proper.

Some things that I am wondering it might be:

-I haven't gotten an alignment for over a year now riding on my current suspension, but wouldn't the wheels/axle/etc be showing symptoms too if that were the issue?

AND

-I got my entire front axle replaced to an oem aftermarket one less than a year ago. Does the axle need to be broken in at different speeds and hasn't yet over 65 MPH?

Any help or input would be great as I am crunched not only for finances, but also for time! THANKS

[uibalnme]

Get the alignment(and balance) done a.s.a.p, and no, axles don't need to be "broken in."

[LynchburgCSI]

Get the alignment and balance NOW... agreed. If the problem continues we can look into a bad tire, brake rotor issues, etc.

[peshwa]

Not so much alignment but balance certainly yes! The 4 wheels and axles may be primary suspects. Do some tests to isolate the kind of vibrations.
Does it increase with increasing speed?
Does it happen when you press on gas?
Does it happen when you take your foot off the gas?
Can you feel it in the seat or backseats?
I had a similar problem and I am sure it has to be the bad tires. I already got 40K on them :-)

[73sport]

+1 for wheel balance first esp if you have tape weights on the wheels

OR swap the rears to the front and confirm its gone. Cost = $0.00


WHEN the front tires make it to the rear, pay attention to it then too.

[JCamry94]

Originally Posted by uibalnme

Get the alignment(and balance) done a.s.a.p, and no, axles don't need to be "broken in."

Alignment must be something I need to get done, thank you! The reason why I ask about the axle is that there was a loud sound at different speeds when I first got it changed out, and eventually it went away ("broke in" if you will).

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

Get the alignment and balance NOW... agreed. If the problem continues we can look into a bad tire, brake rotor issues, etc.

Alignment. Seems to be the main consensus. Thanks!

Originally Posted by peshwa

Not so much alignment but balance certainly yes! The 4 wheels and axles may be primary suspects. Do some tests to isolate the kind of vibrations.
Does it increase with increasing speed?

It seems like it does, yes

Does it happen when you press on gas?

Does it happen when you take your foot off the gas?

It happens with the foot on or off the gas as long as the car is moving above 65 mph.

Can you feel it in the seat or backseats?

No, just the steering wheel.

I had a similar problem and I am sure it has to be the bad tires. I already got 40K on them :-)

Hmm, thanks man, I'm going to look into that for sure.

Originally Posted by 73sport

+1 for wheel balance first esp if you have tape weights on the wheels

OR swap the rears to the front and confirm its gone. Cost = $0.00


WHEN the front tires make it to the rear, pay attention to it then too.

The wheels that are on my car currently are the stock 14" steelies, all 4 are the similiar! Thank you.

Thanks a bunch guys, here's the game plan I think:

-Get my tires rotated and balanced (if that doesn't work...)
-Get an alignment (if THAT doesn't work...)
-New tires, rims, etc

One quick question before I do any of this. My front passenger side tire is 10mm wider than the other 3. It is a 205, the rest are 195, would this throw anything off?

THANKS !

[73sport]

Originally Posted by JCamry94

My front passenger side tire is 10mm wider than the other 3. It is a 205, the rest are 195, would this throw anything off?

THANKS !

I'd definately get the odd boy to the rear. Although by the numbers its technically only wider, the driven axle should always have matched set of wheels & tires size, as well as width, and offset.

AWD cars its unacceptable to create such an imbalance. All that said, its more than likely the tire/wheel combo creating the vib. Remember even a good balance may not correct a bad tire.

[JCamry94]

Originally Posted by 73sport

I'd definately get the odd boy to the rear. Although by the numbers its technically only wider, the driven axle should always have matched set of wheels & tires size, as well as width, and offset.

AWD cars its unacceptable to create such an imbalance. All that said, its more than likely the tire/wheel combo creating the vib. Remember even a good balance may not correct a bad tire.

I am going to laugh my ass off if that stupid little mistake has been causing all the vibration. Thanks a lot for the suggestion, I should've put it in the back in the first place

[73sport]

Time for picture. . .

Ideally, when going straight the front drive shafts turn at the same rate given both tires are the same diameter. Sound good so far?

Picture a 25" diameter tire coupled to a 24" diameter tire on the same drive axle (L and R front tires). If the axle was locked (think posi-trak) the car would want to go in circles all the time because the tires have different rolling diameters. But, they have an open differential which allows the front wheels to roll at different rates as required like when turning for example.

Even though those tires are near the same size, different constructions, speed ratings, manufactures, and tire ballooning at speed can result in the front axles actually turning different rates. Although the rate is small, the differential must make up this speed difference and it could impose some harmonics into the drive train which you feel as a vibration. Neato eh!?

But, that's its unlikely with the small difference you note SO IMO it still points to a bad tire or balance!

Yes, I like to consider all factors!