RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX330, RX350 and RX400H models

Slight Vibration after 70 mph

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Old 04-04-11, 12:35 PM
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farcry80
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Default Slight Vibration after 70 mph

So I took a road trip this week and noticed a slight, but definitely noticeable vibration after exactly 70 mph. The steering definitely vibrates.

I searched among the older threads and it looks like the tires (wear, bulge etc.) could be a potential issue. Is there any fresh insight into this issue?

Also the problem with taking it to the dealer is that there is no place to get to 70mph around to reproduce the issue?

Thanks guys.
Old 04-04-11, 12:52 PM
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Carver
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You could possible have thrown some balance weights as well. A good tire shop could check the tires and do a balance check for you. Cheap place to start.
Old 04-04-11, 01:05 PM
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dcdyd
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Definetely tire balance is the first to check out. Actually any auto care shop does the tire balance. No need to go to the dealer.
Old 04-04-11, 02:07 PM
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Adamjeeps
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Look for a shop that uses a Hunter GSP9700 road force balancer - its the best tire balancer on the market. Here is the link:

http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/findgsp9700.cfm
Old 04-04-11, 04:31 PM
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RX330inFL
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Originally Posted by Adamjeeps
Look for a shop that uses a Hunter GSP9700 road force balancer - its the best tire balancer on the market. Here is the link:

http://www.gsp9700.com/pub/search/findgsp9700.cfm
+1

Especially useful in problem situations where it is difficult to get a proper balance of a tire.

You can buy your tires from TireRack and then take them to a shop with a GSP9700.
Old 04-06-11, 12:11 AM
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RuninRoach
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yup, had this on old rx as well as pathfinder as well as maxima....balancing issue or tries already shot due to balancing issue.
Old 04-07-11, 06:05 AM
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farcry80
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Thanks for all the replies.

I think tire balancing is a great place to start torubleshooting this issue. I'll keep you guys posted.
Old 04-07-11, 06:46 AM
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lexus114
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Yeah, let us know what you find out. And check your lower control arm bushings too. If they are bad it can affect things as well.
Old 04-07-11, 06:56 AM
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mandyfig
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High speed vibration can sometimes be a PITA to debug.

Vibration at a specific speed points to balancing.

If it were suspension related, it will be all over the place.

Start with re-balancing.

How old is the RX?
Old 04-07-11, 07:03 AM
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lexus114
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I`l never forget the first time I test drove a 2004 RX330 when I still had my 300. It drove great! then I took it up on the highway (I always do this) Well at around 67 mph...HOLD ON! it was shaking and carrying on something awful. (And it had brand new Michelin`s on it) needles to say, I passed on that one. I didnt like the light blue color, or I would have had them figure out the problem.
Old 04-07-11, 07:10 AM
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kitlz
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Originally Posted by lexus114
I`l never forget the first time I test drove a 2004 RX330 when I still had my 300. It drove great! then I took it up on the highway (I always do this) Well at around 67 mph...HOLD ON! it was shaking and carrying on something awful. (And it had brand new Michelin`s on it) needles to say, I passed on that one. I didnt like the light blue color, or I would have had them figure out the problem.
I had the same problem with my '04 on the drive home from the dealer years ago. The Alenzas were freshly installed. It turned out to be defective rotors. They were replaced along with the brake pads at 16K, all under warranty. Not to say this might be the problem with farcry's RX. I'd definitely get the wheels rebalanced.
Old 04-07-11, 07:12 AM
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lexus114
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Over tightening the wheels, and improper, uneven torque will affect this too.

Last edited by lexus114; 04-07-11 at 11:06 AM.
Old 04-11-11, 06:12 AM
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farcry80
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So called the place to do a tire balancing on Friday and they were full so I have yet to do it.

Mandy, it is a 2007.

lexus114, the rotors were just replaced so hopefully that's not the issue.

I'll try and get the car in for a tire blancing this week and keep you guys posted.
Old 04-11-11, 06:36 AM
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lexus114
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Originally Posted by farcry80
So called the place to do a tire balancing on Friday and they were full so I have yet to do it.

Mandy, it is a 2007.

lexus114, the rotors were just replaced so hopefully that's not the issue.

I'll try and get the car in for a tire blancing this week and keep you guys posted.


Before you take it anywhere, jack it up (loosen the lugs first) and make sure the wheels are on evenly. Some times these places just throw the wheels on, and dont evenly torque them. I had this happen once when visiting my sister in GA. Drove all the way back to PA with that friggin vibration. And it was all because the wheels were not put back on evenly.

Last edited by lexus114; 04-11-11 at 10:27 AM.
Old 04-12-11, 08:19 PM
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quantfutur
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I have had the vibration (steering shakes slightly) 65mph+ with both my 99 RX300 and my 05 RxX330. From reading the posts here, sounds like balancing is the first place to look. How frequently should tires be balanced?


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