[inssane]

I am figuring the tires need to be balanced. I thought that this was only the case if the wheel shook at high speeds.
When I am getting on the highway ramp (for example) maybe going 20 or so and taking a soft turn, I feel the wheel pulse a little bit and I know that is not normal.

Is this just a balance? I have spent ALOT of money fixing this gem up, I don't want to keep spending if it won't fix the issue.

Lastly - probably not related, but for good measure: I will be replacing the brake pads soon...is it ok to balance first then do the brakes? I really don't think it matters in either order, but I just want to make sure.

Thanks
Nick

 

[Submariner409]

If the front or rear end bounces/vibrates, it's tire/wheel balance. If the steering wheel actually shakes that's more likely a bent wheel, tire runout from tread separation or wheel runout from deposits under the brake rotor and wheel mounting surfaces. MAYBE a severely worn rotor or pad deposits on the rotor face (rotors don't warp) or severely loose tie rod end(s).

Do the brakes first - including removing the calipers and thoroughly cleaning the hub, rotor, and wheel mounting surfaces - all 4 surfaces on all 4 corners. Then find a Hunter Road Force balancing machine. Google "hunter road force" for the locator.

 

[inssane]

Would this "cleaning" help with the brake squeaking?
I think you helped in another thread and it was determined that my pads were cheap from the mechanic, hence the squeeling....something still squeaks lightly while there is no brake being applied and IDK where to start on that one. Maybe a cleaning will cure that? The pads will still be replaced.

Thanks

 

[Ranger]

Cleaning will not help a squeak. A squeak is a vibration set up between the pad and the rotor (cheap pads will sometimes do that) OR the pad wear indicator tab contacting the rotor.

 

[bwv565]

I am noticing the steering wheel "shaking" at speeds over 100km/hr. My brakes/rotors/pads are all brand new. Brought the car to mechanic, said it could be one of a number of things, suggested alignment, other things but will put it on a lift next weekend and look. He mentioned suspension and I cringed, but hopefully it'll be less drastic. This car is never-ending. To make matters worse, someone stole (and damaged in so doing) the center STS cap from one of my wheels.

P.S. my car has ~168K km on it (~104K miles).

 

[Ranger]

Alignment won't cause a vibration. Wheel balance is the most likely cause.

Hard as it is to believe, bad motor mounts have been found to be a contributing factor.

 

[bwv565]

Alignment won't cause a vibration. Wheel balance is the most likely cause.

Hard as it is to believe, bad motor mounts have been found to be a contributing factor.

Ok he did mention that as well. Is that a big job to fix?

 

[basscatt]

if you feel anything at 20MPH - it is most likely a bad tire - or bent wheel -
you don't feel balancing problems below 45 to 50MPH -

 

[Ranger]

Ok he did mention that as well. Is that a big job to fix?

No..