ted920

I get some steering wheel shake and vibration when it rains hard (highway driving) but when its dry, I hqave no problems at all.

What gives?

If it was a tire balance issue, I would expect it to vibrate/shake ain all conditions and not just when it rains hard.

Your opinions/ ideas are much appreciated.

Ted

link13

Do you have 3 piece wheels? What does the inner part of your wheels look like behind the spokes? If there's any cupping to the inner portion at all, water will collect in there and throw off the balance. You can stop and mop out the water with a towel to relieve it temporarily. It doesn't rain much here in CA, so I just accept it when it happens.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah i suppose you have 2/3 piece wheels. it's common problem coz' water is trapped inside the barrel, and when you get up to around 70mph, it shakes

ted920

Thanks guys - you hit the nail right onthe head!!!!!

I knew the experts on CL would have an answer.

Yes, I do have 3-piece wheels and I believe what you're saying is absolutely correct.

Thanks.

Ted

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yes, so in heavy rain i usually keep it around 60mph and i am good

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

Doesn't this happen more frequently also with 3-piece wheels with the reverse lip design? Or do most 3-piece wheels have this problem.

radicalrev

iTrader: (2)

yep..my 2 piece reverse lip traps water too...

TXFM

I was about to post the same subject about steering wheel/front end wobble in heavy rain to see how many others have the same problem.
I, too, have 3-pc wheels. I believe that we need a "sticky" in the forum to advise members of this problem with 2 and 3 piece wheels. It is not a mis-manufacturing issue by the wheel vendor at all. It is a result of the construction design required for reverse rim wheels. Otherwise, I am very pleased with my wheels.

There is an aftermarket solution for this. I have a product from TPMS Solutions out of Anaheim, CA for a water diverter product for the "TPMS SOLUTION REVERSE LIP WATER DIVERTER", but have not installed them yet. The concept sounds right.

When I finally get the time to install these and then it rains hard again in North Texas (could be a while!), I'll report back.

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

It sucks to have a high quality 3 piece wheel only to have this problem.

TXFM

Well, I had the Water Diverters installed on my SC430 on Fri at Discount Tires. They had a good technician who knew his stuff. Now all I have to do is wait for it to rain hard to see if they work. Waiting.... waiting..... waiting...

sleeper408

iTrader: (6)

How much was it to get installed? You didn't happen to take any pictures did you? I just recently acquired some 3 piece wheels and may get these water diverters. Either that or just run my "winter" wheels.

TXFM

I didn't take any pictures. Cost me $64 for unmount/remount/balance.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

shouldn't the water diverters be visible? i wonder what it looks like too

TXFM

Ok, Henry, clearly I need to take a picture, but remember that they're on the inside of the wheel. I'll try to do it tonight.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

come on, it's time to work out