Steering Wheel Vibration - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Braddale · 11-11-2007, 08:56 PM

I have a 2000 VE, and just had the tires and wheels balanced. The tires that were put on the front have never been on the front before.
Noticed that only when it is really windy I am getting a slight vibration in the steering wheel. Had the tires balanced at a very good tire shop, just wondered if anyone else has experienced this.

Wondered if the tires needed to wear in a bit, if it is not windy then there is no vibration.

Thanks

***SCT*** · 11-11-2007, 11:08 PM

I work at Sears Auto Center as a tech.

I seriously doubt wind has anything to due with any vibration you may feel while driving unless you're battling a hi-wind condition which can sway your car from side to side or front to back, whichever, whatever.

Have a tire technician check to see if any of the tires and the wheels have any 'out of roundness' in them. If all is ok, have your front end steering/suspension evaluated for any wear/damage/looseness/etc. which may seem to be the likely cause of such symptom.

LChineze · 11-12-2007, 01:24 AM

i agree, check the suspension. it could be a bad alignment or tie rods/cv, etc etc

Braddale · 11-12-2007, 11:50 AM

Alignment is ok, tires are wearing fine, after 7 years could it be that some suspension components are starting to wear?? Before I had the tires rotated it was fine.

retiredat44 · 11-12-2007, 04:58 PM

are the front tires identical brands and size? at what speeds does it vibrate?

Braddale · 11-12-2007, 05:29 PM

Yes same brand a size on the front Yokohama 185/65/14, when I drove home today there was hardly any wind and no vibration. When it does do it, it is very windy out. I am thinking it could be a combination of the tires having never been on the front and they need to wear in and the high wind.

Before the rotation it was fine so I doubt it has anything to do with a front end component. They double checked the balance and the wheels and said they are fine. Would a front stabilizer bar ever start to become loose or wear out??

costadragon220 · 11-12-2007, 05:39 PM

I'd go with suspension issue, same thing is going on right now with mine it has something to do with my front suspension, I'm thinking my springsb/c my struts were just replaced less than 8k ago

retiredat44 · 11-12-2007, 06:53 PM

maybe you have a wheel bearing gone bad?

Braddale · 11-12-2007, 09:17 PM

I have had the car since new, next June it will be 8 years, I guess I should expect it to start having some suspension issues. The roads here in Toronto are not exactly the smoothest.

costadragon220 · 11-12-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

maybe you have a wheel bearing gone bad?

Referrring to me or OP?

retiredat44 · 11-12-2007, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by costadragon220

Referrring to me or OP?

the thread originator

Brett_C · 11-23-2008, 02:32 PM

I just had a similar problem. It ended up that one of my front wheels was bent/warped. I now have to get a new set of wheels.

Bhavesh · 11-23-2008, 02:55 PM

holy old thread batman!

either way, I also want to throw in that a source of vibration not mentioned is in the front axles: check the CV boots to make sure they're not ripped and letting in any dirt

Brett_C · 11-23-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bhavesh

holy old thread batman!

either way, I also want to throw in that a source of vibration not mentioned is in the front axles: check the CV boots to make sure they're not ripped and letting in any dirt

I spent the week trying to find the cause, so I thought I'd share my results. Actually, the first thing I did was have to replace the CV boot (and joints) b/c my front left one busted. That seemed to have an impact on the vibration, but didn't cure it. Then I had it re-aligned. It was a bit off (toe in/out), although I didn't notice a difference. Then I had the wheels balanced.