shaking wheels

[burningthebridg]

I'm about to go on a road trip of 1000 miles. My Celica has 222,000 on the body and about 30-50K on the engine. Never tried this before with the car. I really hope it will make it.


Anyways, before I go I want to figure out something. When i'm driving on the highway and about when I hit 70mph my steering wheel starts violently gyrating, I mean my arms up to my shoulders are shaking. If I weren't holding the wheel the car would still go straight. Just shake. I have studded tires, does this have anything to do with it? If not is it because I need and alignment? And if it does need an alignment could I make it 1000, well 2000 miles without damaging anything?

[stepho]

Sounds like too much toe-in.
Best to get a wheel alignment shop anyway.
I wouldn't drive it long distance if it is really violent.

- Stepho

[w203]

Originally Posted by burningthebridg

I'm about to go on a road trip of 1000 miles. My Celica has 222,000 on the body and about 30-50K on the engine. Never tried this before with the car. I really hope it will make it.


Anyways, before I go I want to figure out something. When i'm driving on the highway and about when I hit 70mph my steering wheel starts violently gyrating, I mean my arms up to my shoulders are shaking. If I weren't holding the wheel the car would still go straight. Just shake. I have studded tires, does this have anything to do with it? If not is it because I need and alignment? And if it does need an alignment could I make it 1000, well 2000 miles without damaging anything?

Yes. May also be due to the fact that your wheels are not balanced.

[89CelicaGTTurbo]

It the wheels. they need to be balanced.