2011 Avalon Limited Vibration

[Neelys18th]

Recently we purchased a 2011 Avalon Limited. 2 weeks later while driving locally, I noticed a vibration in the car. The vibration appears approx 37-38 mph, and continues up to 60mph. At 70 mph the ride is vibration free. Our car is still under warranty, while at the local dealership, questioning the vibration, they notice a "code" for the transmission. They replaced the transmission. We still have the vibration. The following week they "force balanced" the wheels. We still have the vibration, now it is stronger. I am almost ill with the vibration. I actually feel it, not just a visual issue. There is a Tech report on the issue, with another Avalon experiencing the same issues. Does anybody out there have any idea what the issue could be? Michelin Tires. This is our 4th Avalon. We have owned a 96 XL, 2001 XLS (the best!!), 2006 XLS, and now, after waiting many years, I was able to purchase the loaded Avalon Limited. Only to have issues that make me sick when I drive it!

[azgurney]

I purchased my 2011 Avalon a month ago and have put 2500 miles on it so far. I had a slight vibration from the front tires at 200 miles and the dealer rebalanced the tires. I have not detected anymore vibrations. Mine came with Bridgestone tires.

[inov8]

It could very well be a damaged wheel or defective tire (delaminated or shifted belt). A shop with an on-vehicle balancer will be able to duplicate the vibration if it is a wheel or tire issue. The tire is lowered onto rollers that spin it under load. Conventional off-car balancers do not load the tire, and this kind of defect can be missed or overcompensated with excess wheel weights, making the problem worse.

Do you feel the vibration in the steering wheel or just through the seat? This provides a clue to determine if a front or rear wheel should be suspect. Does the vibration change when the brakes are lightly applied, and/or do feel the vibration in the brake pedal. Yes suggests a warped brake rotor.
Lastly, if you are cruising along at 50-60mph and flip the shft lever into neutral, does the severity of the vibration change? Yes suggests a source other than the wheels/tires/drivetrain.

You should have the ideal test tool in the form of a full-sized spare in the trunk. Swap the spare with each tire, one at a time, and see of the vibration changes or is eliminated. If the vibration is just as bad in all 4 positions, I would suspect driveshafts and/or CV joints as a possible cause. But wheels tires and rotors are the mnost common, and your recent experience after a road-force balance reenforces that diagnosis.

[joedr]

I have the Bridgestones & never had the problem.

[Neelys18th]

To joedr,
When was your car manufactured? It is on a plate attached to the body inside the drivers door. And do you have the factory alloy wheels?
My car was made 12/10.
thank you.

[joedr]

My date is 05/10, & yes they're the factory equipped alloys.

[TheUltimateBohab]

Maybe I missed something, but every time I’ve had a vibration issue on anything it’s ALWAYS a balancing issue with the tires if it’s only at certain speed than it’s defiantly the balancing