So the last couple weeks or so I have had noticeable steering wheel vibration. Hasn't gotten worse as of late, just goes left and right very quickly above 45mph. I have 18x9s of front and 18x10.5s in the back, so rotating is out of the question. I thought it was an alignment issue, but the guy at a shop thought it was more of a balancing issue. I have had the front tires for about 15k miles.

I guess my question is: What do you guys think it is bc I don't want to have them check it out and tell me its the ball joint or tie rods or some crazy expensive repair. Its the last thing I need after just upgrading the front brakes. Thanks in advance for the help guys.

 

My guess would be needing to get the tires balanced. Typically a tie rod will cause the steering wheel to occasionally jerk to one side.

 

+1. Also another thing that will do it...and hopefully you have good enough mechanical practice...check your lugs tight. I've seen someone forget to tighten them and lose all 4 wheels.

 

Are you sure they aren't good vibrations?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eSN8Cwit_s

 

Thanks guys, I'll check the lug buts first then go on to the other stuff. It was kinda funny when I brought it to the shop, bc just from my description and no visual of the problem, the Ford mechanic was convinced that there was no way of saving the tires. Lol he sounded as if it he thought it couldn't be fixed with just balancing and an alignment. All i got was the ole "I'll see what I can do." Stupid dealerships.

 

it could also be tire pressure, check your tire pressure and make sure there at the psi they sohould be.

 

Yep, tires are always aired up properly. I just wonder how a tire can be thrown out of balance? Except if one of the little weights fell off or something

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeADBRw9xCo

lolol

 

You said you did brakes, than the vibrations started? Sounds like the wheels got moved when being put back on the car. If a tire has worn into a bad wheel bearing or worn front suspension, than moved.. it can cause a vibration.

 

Nah the vibrations started before I did brakes.