I've recently been noticing a pretty strong vibration in my steering wheel when driving at speeds like the highway. It is sometimes a very settle vibration while other times it's pretty aggressive. There will even be no vibration sometimes. I never notice the vibration driving around town and stuff, just on the highway.

Does anyone have a clue what this might be or what is causing this? I've had someone tell me it could be like "a warped steering ball joint", or something along those lines, I can't remember exactly. I figured I'd try getting some answers from some of you guys before I took it in to get it checked.

Thanks.

 

Stock or aftermarket wheels?

 

I'd start with jacking the car up and spin the tire. If there are any flat spots in the tread or if it's out of round. Out of round can be the tire OR the rim. You will feel that. Generally 0.050" or better for a pass. This will be most noticeable at slow speeds and might go away on the highway.

A balance problem will get worse as the speed increases. Check for missing weights.

While it's up rock the tire. At any clock position play will indicate a wheel bearing. Left to right is probably a tie rod.

 

If the tires don't have any flat spots, I'm guessing out of balance tire(s). If a tire lost a weight, it could easily cause this shimmy. Take it to a local tire shop and have them check the balance. If the balance is fine, then I would look at your shocks. Good luck...