need help with vibration diagnosis

[Robert K]

I have a 1997 V-6 Camry. I've got a vibration problem that I have to get fixed. I recently put four new Toyota OE struts on the car, including two new front upper strut mounts. The car received a four wheel alignment right after the new struts. I have also had all four tires road force balanced and they were all within spec. My problem is that I have a vibration problem at speeds between 55 - 70 mph. At first, I suspected the tires. But I've had them checked and rechecked.

When we bought the car a few years ago, I noticed that the driver's side steel wheels both had slight bends in the lips. I figured the previous owner had curbed it, so I bought two new take-offs from Tirerack. Also, when I did the strut swap, I put a new driver's side lower control arm just in case the bushings had been damaged. All of these actions did not eliminate the vibration.

I don't know much about front wheel drive cars, this being my first. But is this starting to sound like either a wheel bearing or axle problem? I'm beginning to wonder if I have one or both of these problems with the driver's front. There is also a slight whirring noise at very low speeds when braking and turning corners. I lifted all four wheels off of the ground last week and pryed on the wheels at the top and bottoms. I could detect absolutely no play whatsover. That leads me to believe that I've got either a bent axle or CV joints going bad. By the way, the car has 111,000 miles on it.

I need to get this resolved soon, as it is my wife's car and is starting to drive both of us nuts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Grace and peace,

Robert K

[RedPhoenix]

This was like this before the struts installed?

[Robert K]

Yes, the vibration was there before the strut change. I thought weak struts might be contributing to the problem. Plus, with 110,000 miles on them, it was probably time anyway. But anyway, the problem has persisted even after the new struts, front upper strut mounts, driver's side control arm, and 4 wheel alignment. Doesn't anyone else have some insight into this problem???

Grace and peace,

Robert K

[500KCamry]

Doubt its the CV joint or Tulip joint.

My guess is either wheel bearing or bent axle (because of the curb scenario).

The wheel bearing you can check it for play. You can take the half - axle out of the steering knuckle then can spin the wheel lugs, if it spins freely the bearing is going. If you spin it and it stops right away it might be okay. It should offer a little resistance when you turn it, but there will be no detectable play.

A bent axle you can check by turning it with a gauge on it.

You might also want to check the differential fluid level and change the fluid.

[foompla]

Originally Posted by 500KCamry

Doubt its the CV joint or Tulip joint.

My guess is either wheel bearing or bent axle (because of the curb scenario).

The wheel bearing you can check it for play. You can take the half - axle out of the steering knuckle then can spin the wheel lugs, if it spins freely the bearing is going. If you spin it and it stops right away it might be okay. It should offer a little resistance when you turn it, but there will be no detectable play.

A bent axle you can check by turning it with a gauge on it.

You might also want to check the differential fluid level and change the fluid.

ive seen these axles wobble like a mofo without causing any vibration. spinning the wheel bearing like that isnt a valid way of checking it. spin it to see how smooth it is. there should be some load, but not too much. it shouldnt be "choppy".