I had my tires replaced on friday with Yokohama Avid H4S 205/60 15s. The steering wheel shakes at 55-60 mph like the tires are not balanced. I took them back and had the shop re-balance them, but they were all balanced.The car had the same problem with the old tires on so I'm thinking it may be a problem with the suspention or something.I just replaced brake rotors and pads a couple of weeks ago.
Any one have an idea of what this could be?Thanks :chicken
Tire Balance Problem
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teriyakibroccoli
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teriyakibroccoli
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2Fast240sx
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annunziato39
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BurntClutch
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I had this same problem some time ago and it was due to one wheel that was bent but fixed later. Even though the wheel was fixed impeccably, it still caused an issue.
You will have to go through a process of elimination by changing one variable at a time.
First of all, I doubt it's the rotors. If it was the rotors, it would be happening when you braked only (I agree with rudee above)
Secondly, the problem could've been due to unbalanced tires. This does happen, more than most people think. But you just replaced your tires, so that's out.
Thirdly, let's focus on whether it is your wheels. Rotate your wheels front to back and vice versa. If the same exact problem happens, it is not your wheels but perhaps some of the issues pointed out above. If the problem goes away, then the problem is the wheels you just moved to the back.
My guess it is your wheels, which was the case with me. After your test, if you identify the problem to be your wheels but it is not possible to detect where the bent part is try getting them re-balanced. Sometimes a very able technician can compensate for the wheel imperfection with weights. Have him re-balance it, then drive it, if necessary getting him to re-balance again. It may take a couple times. Otherwise, get the wheel fixed or replace them if your budget allows.
My two cents.
Make sure to let us know when it is fixed so we can learn from you.
You will have to go through a process of elimination by changing one variable at a time.
First of all, I doubt it's the rotors. If it was the rotors, it would be happening when you braked only (I agree with rudee above)
Secondly, the problem could've been due to unbalanced tires. This does happen, more than most people think. But you just replaced your tires, so that's out.
Thirdly, let's focus on whether it is your wheels. Rotate your wheels front to back and vice versa. If the same exact problem happens, it is not your wheels but perhaps some of the issues pointed out above. If the problem goes away, then the problem is the wheels you just moved to the back.
My guess it is your wheels, which was the case with me. After your test, if you identify the problem to be your wheels but it is not possible to detect where the bent part is try getting them re-balanced. Sometimes a very able technician can compensate for the wheel imperfection with weights. Have him re-balance it, then drive it, if necessary getting him to re-balance again. It may take a couple times. Otherwise, get the wheel fixed or replace them if your budget allows.
My two cents.
Make sure to let us know when it is fixed so we can learn from you.
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Grant@tirerack
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It's likely the wheels or tie rod ends. The wheels should fit snugly on the nose of the axle hub with no slop. If the hole in the back of the wheel is larger than the axle hub, you need to get some centering rings from the shop that sold you the wheels. This will keep the wheels centered on the hub when you torque the lugs.
Thanks guys, good help.So yes, the H4S's do rock and the car drives 100% better, but this shimmy problem lingers. I had the car aligned about a week before I put the brakes on, but it still pulled a bit to the left, so I got the new tires on. Shake+pull was still around, so I had the shop re-balance the tires (I stood there and watched them) and move the fronts to the back and vice versa - still my shimmy persits.I'll take a look at the wheels and see if there are centering shims "hubcentric shims' on there, but I'm starting to think that it is the tie rod ends. I'll let you guys know when I figure it out. Thanks for the help.