What causes it? Upper ball joint? Car isn't so bad , just the wheel. Present at 20, 40 then 60 mph maybe? Am I on the right path?
Getting wheels (re)balanced cured the vibration I was having. I'd bought a wheel and tire package online and they were supposed to have been balanced at the dealer. The guy at my local wheel shop said they *may* have done a static balance but in his opinion they just slapped a few weights on for show! Bob
There is more than one thing that can cause a vibration like that. Wheel balance is one. Check the idler arm and entire front end. Get the front end off the ground. Push and pull on the tires and look for excessive play at the joints. Grab ahold of the idler arm and try to move it up and down.
Thanks guys for the ideas. Let me check the front end this weekend as I really would like to get this solved.
A bad belt in one or more of the tires usually causes shaking. Bent wheel also could be suspect. Larry
Rims certainly are all bent some. Drivers front wheel has notable In/Out movement at top of tire. Think I will try rotating tires next. What does to movement say needs replacing on the upper drivers side? Thanks, Mike
Upper ball joint or front wheel bearings could cause play in the wheel. You need to actually move the tire and observe where the play is. We aren't there, you are.
The movement is subtle. I can feel movement In and Out at the top under major rocking where I can't on the other side. It is minute and most people wouldn't feel it at all. Not sure this is the primary issue.
The car has to be in the air. Jack stands under the frame. Then you get under the car, push and pull on the tires and watch for play in the various joints. Take the car in for an alignment. They will do that inspection before they will agree to align the front end. If you have worn parts, they won't align it as it would be pointless to do so.
Had an alignment first thing to address this issue 2 years ago. Now know they did it to Rivera settings...Didnt solve the problem completely though better. Thought it was tires so I did that. Guys said they had trouble meeting the balance requirements but finished. Much better but not perfect. Found a weight in the yard and had them rebalanced again. I think I'm going to swap the tires back to front next then follow your advice or take it back for alignment. What alignment settings are recommend for modern R235/60R14? Thanks Larry
As much positive caster as possible. Stock parts will limit that. A small amount of negative camber (1/2* or less). A very small amount of toe in.
I will. What type of shop should I try. My alignment shop or a driveline specialist? Thanks for all the tips Larry.
A competent one. Sometimes that is easier said than done. ANY competent shop should be able to diagnose your problem. Has this been going on for long? How did the car feel 2 years ago when you got the alignment? You get where I am going with this? Were they competent 2 years ago?
