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Topic: Steering Wheel Vibration (Read 1106 times) previous topic - next topic

Steering Wheel Vibration

I had my rotors brakes and springs replaced a few months ago on my 88 Tbird. Just after that time i started getting a vibration in my steering wheel at 60 MPH and above. Sometimes its worse than others, but it is always there. Its bad enough i cant enjoy a good cruise on the highway.

I have had the front end aligned, tires rotated and ballanced, and its still there. I even put my full size spare tire on to see if that made a difference, still there.

I noticed the brake pads on the passenger side appears to be touching the rotor on one pad, and a 1/16 inch clearance on the outside pad.

My mechanic has checked the fron end, everything is tight, he even compressed the front end and checked it like that, and he put the rear end up in the air and checked for vibrations when the car is running, all good.

He thinks it could be bad rims. I already rotated the tires as well as used the spare, and it still vibrates????

Any ideas

Bad rotors??

Steering Wheel Vibration

Reply #1 –
Bad rotors are a possibility, but ususally they'll only show their ugly head when you step on the brake.

It looks like you pretty much checked everything I'd have suggested. About the only other things I can think of are flat-spotted tires (ever lock the brakes up and slide a long distance?), broken belts in tires (ever nail some potholes reallyhard?) or even cheap tires (out of round? stiff belts?)

Try putting the tires on a balancer and spinning 'em up. If they're out of balance, obviously balance 'em, but look for any signs of wobble or runout as well. Any more than 1/8 inch runout will produce vibration.

I had a similar problem with my car - I replaced the two front tires with Wal-Mart cheapos, and a helluva vibration resulted. I brought it back, they checked the balance, and everything was fine (including runout). I had 'em rotate the tires to the back and the vibration went away. Brand new tires, they had a stiff belt or something that sent a vibration through the column. I guarantee when I put the 16" snowflakes on I won't be putting cheapies on...
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣
 

Steering Wheel Vibration

Reply #2 –
I put new Michelin tires on after i had the vibration, and i still have the vibration, even with rotating and ballancing the tires. I think on Friday i will take it to a reputable alignment shop.

Jeff

Steering Wheel Vibration

Reply #3 –
One more thing to check.  Check your inner tie rods.  They have plastic bushings in them, and if one of those goes it will give you a vibration.  Check the outer tie rod ends, and ball joints too.  Any "joint" area can give you a vibration in the front end while driving.  Some problems can be sneaky and be a real pain to find.
Matt :tg:

Steering Wheel Vibration

Reply #4 –
wheel bearings... might not have been tightened right when rotors were changed.  my bad.  that's all i got.
84 TC 302 -5.0L/t5/7.5 locking rear and a 3.45 gear, Edelbrock Intake, Aluminum Heads, Edlebrock 65mm Throttlebody, Edlebrock Cam, 24lb injectors & MAS Air Sensor calibrated via chip,  BBK headers, Catback H pipe, Magnaflow lers :evilgrin:
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