Have We Solved The Steering Vibration On The Freeway?

[Argent55]

Originally Posted by like2drive

Argent55,
I'm interested to know what you mean exactly by "steering wheel shimmy"? I have a RWD, non-DI with 17" wheels (FE1) '09 CTS and I took it to the dealer for some sort of steering vibration. In fact, for me as well, I can see the steering wheel traveling maybe 1/16" at highway speed. HOWEVER, this is only when I do not touch the steering. IF I keep my hands on the wheel (like it should be ), I don't feel any vibration. MOREOVER, it depends on the type of road surface I drive on. At some moments, nothing at all. On some other occasions, I can see the steering wheel slightly moving. The techs at the dealer told me that it is some sort of road feeling. As a control, we took another '09 CTS with the same settings as mine and could see the same phenomenon happening. They rebalanced all four wheels and I still see the same thing. Either I should go for RF balancing or it is simply a consequence of a more direct connection between the steering and the road.

like2drive,

I'm using the definition that's developed in this thread to describe the "steering wheel shimmy". The steering wheel will rotate back and forth to varying degrees, usually at highway speeds. It's apparent that some with the problem have it worse than others. I would consider mine to be minor at worst. Like you, if I have my hands on the wheel it's difficult to feel. I usually notice it on a stretch of well-paved road. It may be due to some tire imbalance or mis-alignment (although the car seems to track straight). Certainly, there are no perfect roads so the road *could* be contributing to the shimmy. But I'm not convinced that there are too many road imperfections that would produce a rhythmic back and forth movement in the steering system.

[racer50200]

I have an '08 RWD with 18" wheels and had the famous "shimmy" in the wheel. Dealer did a road force balance and like magic the shimmy was gone!

Also had the drone between 40 and 50. After 9,000 miles, last week, they performed a service bulletin (which involved some washers on the trans mount) and again like magic it is finally gone!

I had grown used to the drone which was fairly minor most of the time, but once it was gone, I can't believe how smooth my CTS is! It really is a sweet ride!

Good luck to those of you still have shimmy/drone issues. I'm finally good.

[Jimls]

Racer, I am very hesitant to have the "drone" service done on my car based on what information I have gathered (ie. TC lockup rpm increase, decrease in gas mileage etc.) For your service was anything else done other than replacing the tranny washers. Can you plet me know thanks. Jim

[racer50200]

Jimls

I was hesitant as well, but so far I am thrilled. They did the trany update and although it does shift slightly different, it is still great. Like others, I sort of like it better this way. As far as mileage, I might need a while to tell the difference. I just can't keep the go pedal off the carpet.......!

My advice is to roll the dice and go for it. I really couldn't be more pleased. As I said before, I can't believe how smooth and quiet it is now. I didn't expect such an improvement.

Again, I'm finally good!

Racer (aka One Happy CTS Owner!)

[Jimls]

Thank you Racer for your response and insight.
Jim

[MoFex]

Finally had time to schedule appointment with the dealer. Two issues: squealing brakes and “groan”. Dealer performed the TCU reprogram and put some isolating washes. The groan seems to be gone. Rear brakes – new holding brackets and new pads. So far I do not hear any noise.

After the reprogram it seems the transmission is more willing to downshift. The car seems to be more “dynamic”, more wiling to rev. I like it.

For anybody who still is not sure should you do it – it is worth it! Finally, after 18 months almost all my issues are solved. If only the creaking and a rattle in the b-pillar was fixed…

[fasttigger]

Originally Posted by Argent55

like2drive,

I'm using the definition that's developed in this thread to describe the "steering wheel shimmy". The steering wheel will rotate back and forth to varying degrees, usually at highway speeds. It's apparent that some with the problem have it worse than others. I would consider mine to be minor at worst. Like you, if I have my hands on the wheel it's difficult to feel. I usually notice it on a stretch of well-paved road. It may be due to some tire imbalance or mis-alignment (although the car seems to track straight). Certainly, there are no perfect roads so the road *could* be contributing to the shimmy. But I'm not convinced that there are too many road imperfections that would produce a rhythmic back and forth movement in the steering system.

I had the shimmy, and got at least 5 times the tires balanced (RF and conventional). I took it to the dealer and told them I wouldn't pick up my car until the shimmy was completely gone... They lent me a nice H3.

They had the car for 8 days, they performed several tire balances, they also changed the wheels and tires from a new car.... and nothing.

The last thing they did was an alignment (my car didn't seem to need it). THE PROBLEM IS COMPLETELY GONE! Finally!.... They told me that the problem is because one tire wanted to go one way and the other wanted the opposite, and because the electronic steering assistance on this cars is very sensible, that made it vibrate.

I don't know if back in the tread someone tried this, but I strongly recommend you guys to give it a chance.

Good luck!

[jdavis12]

Originally Posted by fasttigger

I had the shimmy, and got at least 5 times the tires balanced (RF and conventional). I took it to the dealer and told them I wouldn't pick up my car until the shimmy was completely gone... They lent me a nice H3.

They had the car for 8 days, they performed several tire balances, they also changed the wheels and tires from a new car.... and nothing.

The last thing they did was an alignment (my car didn't seem to need it). THE PROBLEM IS COMPLETELY GONE! Finally!.... They told me that the problem is because one tire wanted to go one way and the other wanted the opposite, and because the electronic steering assistance on this cars is very sensible, that made it vibrate.

I don't know if back in the tread someone tried this, but I strongly recommend you guys to give it a chance.

Good luck!

Congratulations on finding the right fix for your vehicle. Unfortunately, I have done the same and still have the issue (specs are perfect on both alignment and road force). I found the best spot for each wheel that produces the least amount of steering wheel movement but still there between 60-75 but next time I rotate, it will be back to being worse. Next move for me is a Hunter recommended service shop for another RFB. Hoping different equipment and eyes on the problem will find that magic fix for mine.

[Maeztro]

Originally Posted by racer50200

Jimls

I was hesitant as well, but so far I am thrilled. They did the trany update and although it does shift slightly different, it is still great. Like others, I sort of like it better this way. As far as mileage, I might need a while to tell the difference. I just can't keep the go pedal off the carpet.......!

My advice is to roll the dice and go for it. I really couldn't be more pleased. As I said before, I can't believe how smooth and quiet it is now. I didn't expect such an improvement.

Again, I'm finally good!

Racer (aka One Happy CTS Owner!)

Is there a link somewhere for this bulletin? I am going to the dealer next week and I want to bring a copy to show them what I want done..

TIA
m

[kchevy]

Originally Posted by Maeztro

Is there a link somewhere for this bulletin? I am going to the dealer next week and I want to bring a copy to show them what I want done..

TIA
m

You can find it here http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ay-speeds.html Beware, it could make the problem worse. Read this entire thread to determine if it might be of help ( it wasn't for me)

[Recliner_King]

What is a Drone? a noise? I have a slight vibration at 65 to 70mph. I also get a "noise" at 20 to 50mph that sounds like a "out of round" tire. It gets louder when I turn the wheel left. It is also louder on blacktop. But goes straight. Original wheels Goodyear tires. 2001 Deville

[MoFex]

Originally Posted by Recliner_King

What is a Drone? a noise? I have a slight vibration at 65 to 70mph. I also get a "noise" at 20 to 50mph that sounds like a "out of round" tire. It gets louder when I turn the wheel left. It is also louder on blacktop. But goes straight. Original wheels Goodyear tires. 2001 Deville

This problem is associated with CTS 2008 drive train (rear wheel drive). Does not apply to your car.

[fasttigger]

Originally Posted by jdavis12

Congratulations on finding the right fix for your vehicle. Unfortunately, I have done the same and still have the issue (specs are perfect on both alignment and road force). I found the best spot for each wheel that produces the least amount of steering wheel movement but still there between 60-75 but next time I rotate, it will be back to being worse. Next move for me is a Hunter recommended service shop for another RFB. Hoping different equipment and eyes on the problem will find that magic fix for mine.

Try this: I know the specs for tire pressure is 35 psi cold (gets between 37-41 psi when hot) but try to set it at 30 when hot (maybe it will drop to 27-28 psi when cold), try it! you will feel the difference!

[sampson]

Originally Posted by fasttigger

Try this: I know the specs for tire pressure is 35 psi cold (gets between 37-41 psi when hot) but try to set it at 30 when hot (maybe it will drop to 27-28 psi when cold), try it! you will feel the difference!

Won't this cause the tire sensors to report a low pressure alarm to ONSTAR?

[acejones]

It might, but so what.