Ok techies, here's a question for you---Steering vibration at periodic intervals?

[Holy Roller]

My steering wheel of my s14 vibrates at speeds over 60mph, and the interesting part is that it occurs at fixed intervals. So in other words, the steering wheel shakes for about 5 seconds, then smooths out, then 5 seconds later begins to shake again. and this is fixed no matter what speed your at above 60mph. I took it to Butler tire and they said it's more likely a drive train problem than needing a high speed alignment. Any ideas guys?

[corn322]

take a look at your tc bushings and see how they're holding up

[silviase1]

I was told that when that exact problem occurs it's because youhave a bad control arm.

[yellow_jacket]

t/c bushings, wheels are off balance, wheels aren't round, rims are bent, u-joints are going, axles or hubs are bent, and various other worn out suspension parts can cause it.

The most common are out of round tires and out of balance tires.

[bendychicken]

I think it's your tension rod bushings. my s13 just started doing the same thing, and I looked at the tc rods, the bushings are busted now. Coincidence, I think not:eyecrazy . Get some whiteline T/C Rod Bushings.

[ka-J]

I have the same problem, I replaced the front lower control arm bushings, & T.C. bushings, with white lines. I even replaced the ball joints and tie rod ends. Some times it does'nt vibrate, and other times it is really bad, and hits in intervals. could It be my wheel bearings or hubs?

[nolaws4evr]

it seems this might be a common problem for our wonderfull cars. my s14 does the same thing from about 50-60mph and then it kinda stops. Ive had my wheels balanced and even got new ones and it still persists. I think Im goin to get a full set of urethane bushings to replace all the worn out ones and see how that helps. If anyone has actually solved this problem please let us know!!

Josh

[GroundZero]

it could be old/blown shocks or springs.

[ka-J]

I have brand new parts on my car and all are within 3 months old, here is the list; RS*R race springs, KYB AGX's, tein front upper adjustable pillow strut mounts, whiteline front lower control arm bushings, whiteline Tension/compression bushings, moog tie rod ends, moog ball joints, battleversion adjustable rear toe links, new front rotors, a recent alignment, and good tires. What could be causing my problem. I think it has something to do with the hubs, or wheel bearings, honestly I'am very confused as to what it could be. Three different shops in my area are just as confused. I do plan on buying new hubs here pretty soon so hopefully that will solve my problem???

[GroundZero]

well while your at it why not go for the 300zx brake upgrade.

[ka-J]

^^^ Ya that is the plan, I'am going to get the longer studs & 1/4" wheel spacers, and press the new studs on before I install the hubs. (I'am just waiting for my student loan to go through) I'am also going to replace my rack & pinion bushings, and possibly exchange my rack & pinon with one off of a hicas 240. It has a quicker steering ratio. I will also buy front & rear adjustable whiteline sway bars, so ya, my suspension should almost be brand new after a couple of months.

[240SX=fun4me!]

about your vibrationproblem:I am not gonna pretend I'm some genius with cars, hell, I just got my nissan 240 3 days ago. But I had this same exact problem with my 94 Subaru legacy. Maybe it's different cuz it is fron wheel drive, but for me it was where the axle boot connected to the fron tire, the boot was tore open, the bearings were rusted, and in my case, i was missing 3 of my 6 bearings. But the Suby did do the exac same thing, and it also did it at around 90-95 MPH.

Maybe for some odd reason that would help?

[pball]

Check the fine-tuning of your suspension with an eye to how your tires sit on the road - I had vibe problems from a front left tire with a worn inner shoulder, a mechanic friend of mine with some serious farking talent played with the camber and the toe (0deg and -1/16in left, -1deg and 1/8in right IIRC) to get the contact patches right and things cleared right up. suspension is a beastly thing to work with, theres so many variables and so many places bugs can hide..

[180fan]

have you checked your hub bearings? I had to replace one of mine pretty recently, although I do drive an s13 and it was about time as it's an 89. Dunno just something else to check.

[AX75F92]

My S13 does the same thing...

I thought some hubcentric rings would solve the problem...they help a little, but the vibration is still there.

Anyone who has successfully ridded themselves of this annoyance - please post.

[corn322]

yeah, I got new t/c bushings and the vibration was gone.

[Florida240sx]

I got my tires rotated and balanced 2 days before my 1000mile trip. The whoel trip up there it would do that. Just for no reason. So I just turned up my subs and ignored like I hve been for the past few months. I can't remember it happening before I got my rims.....

[AX75F92]

I have Battle Version tension rods (sperical bearing).

[DOOM240sx]

I suggest trying to "gram" balance your wheels at a reputible place with a good machine...make sure u put weights on both sides of the wheels...also look for the DOT mark on your tire and make sure it is 180 degrees from your valve stem this helps sometimes.

DOOM out.