June1978

I notice that at high speeds (60MPH+) and wind- my car goes all over the place. I feel like I'm about to lose control. One big gust of wind and my car jerks.

The car is in top shape- no noises, no suspension issues, no torn ball joints or damaged control arms. Just had balance and alignment done with 1 year old Michelin tires

What gives?

FobLexus

I own a 2003 ES300 and I've taken mine up to 115+ mph (in Mexico) with no issues at all on older tires so I don't completely understand your issue. Just a couple things that can mess with your aerodynamics:
1. Check and make sure your sunroof is fully closed and sealed. Sometimes when you reset the battery it won't fully close automatically,
2. Check the bottom of your car and make sure the skid plate is in place properly. Sometimes when other check places change your oil they don't install it right.back right so it can dangle and cause noise issues when wind hits it.
3. Did you buy your tires new? Older tires can cause stability issues regardless of the brand. You can check the date of your tire because it's written on there is the week of the year it was made comma the year. (For example 0218 means it was made in the second week of 2018.)
4. Check your tie rods. If they're old they may cause steering issues.
5. Does your steering wheel vibrate or shake at high speed?

June1978

Sunroof closed. Skid plate in place. Yes bought new tires from Costco. Tire rods may need to be checked. No vibration or shaking- runs smooth.

I do remember a very minor woo woo sound from the front- wheel bearings may need to replaced soon. But I still don't feel like the car should jerk as bad as it does with crosswinds.

Don't know

FobLexus

Wheel bearings could cause that issue. Another easy check you can do are lug nuts honestly because whenever people put your tires on they never torque them or they use an impact and a lot of the time if you live in the rust belt the studs can rust and the tire might not be on completely.
Does the shaking or noise get worse as you accelerate at high speed or is it constant?

ilkinandr

Could be worn struts/springs. But any car will have that depending on how strong the wings are.

shortstop

Rear trailing arm bushings worn out ? Check on lift with wheels suspended for movement in the bushing with crow bar. 2 additional bushings needed for repair plus the 2 new rear trailing arms if loose. Check the rear sway bar bushings and anything else not recently replaced for looseness while your there.

Oro

Miles? Usage? impossible to say w/o knowing condition of car. As said, tie rods or struts/cartridges would be suspect #1. Bearings - no.

I've done up to 120mph on empty western roads and the engine runs out long before the suspension does, when in good shape.

That is much more a 3rd gen problem, not a 4th gen as the OP has. Very unlikely, but possible with abuse/usage patterns.

shortstop

My 2003 had the same body and trailing roll problem at 60 + mph on windy days. I replaced the trailing arms, the rear sway bar bushings, and the rear sway bar links were noisy over bumps. At 75,000 miles and the problem went away. There all easy to check and don`t cost much or anything to inspect.

speedkar9

Handling in the wind depends on the car.
My RWD GS350 (and my brother's old GS300) are not that good in the wind, you really can feel it pushing the car on the highway.
My FWD Camry (and my old Solara) are relatively stable, you hear the wind noise more than feel it in the steering.

June1978

Bringing this back up- so I'm being told I need to replace my front struts and sway bars.

I'm seeing Moog, Monroe and KYB as options- what have you guys used? Did you buy the entire strut with springs etc or just the strut alone? Thanks

FromFL

'04 330. I used Monroes all around, replacing the struts (not quick struts). I prefer the quality of KYBs, which I've had on my Sentra for 50,000 miles, but they still give a stiff ride which is not necessarily a bad thing but not appropriate if you value a smooth ride.