Steering Wheel Shake
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
Steering Wheel Shake
Ok, I have searched and cannot find anyone with a problem quite like mine. I'll describe it the best that I can.
When I first start driving there is no noticeable shake in my steering wheel, but as time goes on, it starts acting up.
I've noticed that it usually starts as I go up or downhill and then once it starts it doesn't go away until I stop the car and let her sit for alittle while, but sometimes that doesn't do it either.
Another thing I've noticed is that it kind of sounds like I'm running on a flat when the car starts shaking. The steering wheel shakes violently on the highway and when I get on the brakes to slow down it becomes even worse and you can actually... hear? the shaking. It's that bad. The brake pedal shakes/pulsates pretty violently as well when this happens.
The thing that gets me most is, sometimes I don't get any shake or pedal vibration/pulsation at all, regardless of how long I've been driving.
I'm so confused on this one. I get steering wheel shake and I can also feel vibration in the pedals. I don't understand.
What could it be? Somebody please help
BTW, I had my tie rods and LBJ replaced around 94K miles and I'm closing in on 136K miles as of now. I'm very low on money as I am a full time college student that's only working enough to get by.
I appreciate any and all help. Thanks guys.
When I first start driving there is no noticeable shake in my steering wheel, but as time goes on, it starts acting up.
I've noticed that it usually starts as I go up or downhill and then once it starts it doesn't go away until I stop the car and let her sit for alittle while, but sometimes that doesn't do it either.
Another thing I've noticed is that it kind of sounds like I'm running on a flat when the car starts shaking. The steering wheel shakes violently on the highway and when I get on the brakes to slow down it becomes even worse and you can actually... hear? the shaking. It's that bad. The brake pedal shakes/pulsates pretty violently as well when this happens.
The thing that gets me most is, sometimes I don't get any shake or pedal vibration/pulsation at all, regardless of how long I've been driving.
I'm so confused on this one. I get steering wheel shake and I can also feel vibration in the pedals. I don't understand.
What could it be? Somebody please help
BTW, I had my tie rods and LBJ replaced around 94K miles and I'm closing in on 136K miles as of now. I'm very low on money as I am a full time college student that's only working enough to get by.
I appreciate any and all help. Thanks guys.
Last edited by shvc1991; Jan 29, 2010 at 08:47 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,347
Likes: 6
From: RI
you'll want to have your steering rack tightened a hair (1/8 to 1/4 turn). you can see how to do this by viewing the daizen steering bushing DIY. You have to pry the snapring out, then tighten the rack with a hex key slightly to keep your steering from wandering. Good news is itll only cost you a bolt, a nut, and a hammer to make a tool to do so.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
Sounds good, but my steering seems to fluctuate between looseness and heaviness depending on how hot or cold it is outside.
Also, is there any explanation for the brake pulsation coming and going or even the flat tire sound?
Also, is there any explanation for the brake pulsation coming and going or even the flat tire sound?
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,347
Likes: 6
From: RI
brake pulsation coming/going could be bad brake fluid, uneven brake wear, or in combination with the flat tire sound, warped rotors/tires out of balance.
If your tire guy used stick on weights, they probably fell off. If stock wheels, have him hammer weights on.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,659
Likes: 2
From: California
I'm about 80% sure somethings not tight on your wheels.... check your lug nuts, jack your car up and check to see if your wheel has play in its camber or toe... just start pushing on it to see if it'll recess in.... I've actually had a lug bolt half broken off and I got the shakes when I was at certain mph due to the bolt spinning on the rear hub of the wheel.
I wouldn't drive the car until I figured out the problem. Could potentially be a huge mistake... figure it out before you take a drive.... be safe@!
I wouldn't drive the car until I figured out the problem. Could potentially be a huge mistake... figure it out before you take a drive.... be safe@!
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
if your steering feel fluctuates...it leads me to ask you when the last time you changed your steering fluid was.
brake pulsation coming/going could be bad brake fluid, uneven brake wear, or in combination with the flat tire sound, warped rotors/tires out of balance.
If your tire guy used stick on weights, they probably fell off. If stock wheels, have him hammer weights on.
brake pulsation coming/going could be bad brake fluid, uneven brake wear, or in combination with the flat tire sound, warped rotors/tires out of balance.
If your tire guy used stick on weights, they probably fell off. If stock wheels, have him hammer weights on.
If I had warped rotors, wouldn't it pulsate every time I hit the brakes?
I have stick on weights on the stock wheels. I'm gonna jack up the car tomorrow to see if there is any play in the wheels. I hope I don't need to replace anything.
I'm also gonna give the spare wheel a try and see if it solves the problem. I am almost sure it is my front driver side wheel that is the culprit to my problem.
I'm about 80% sure somethings not tight on your wheels.... check your lug nuts, jack your car up and check to see if your wheel has play in its camber or toe... just start pushing on it to see if it'll recess in.... I've actually had a lug bolt half broken off and I got the shakes when I was at certain mph due to the bolt spinning on the rear hub of the wheel.
I wouldn't drive the car until I figured out the problem. Could potentially be a huge mistake... figure it out before you take a drive.... be safe@!
I wouldn't drive the car until I figured out the problem. Could potentially be a huge mistake... figure it out before you take a drive.... be safe@!
May be your rotors. I had occasional vibration at higher speeds and during low and high speed braking. I thought it was my new wheels needing to be rebalanced but I put some $90 autozone front rotors and the shimmy is gone.
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Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
I'm going to see if I can fix the problem without replacing anything first or at least try to pinpoint it if possible. I don't even have $90 and the bull**** $150 speeding ticket doesn't help. ***** cops around here are jealous that I drive a nicer ride than them. They always go for the young ones here.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: NY
I had a problem like your and it was the driver side front tire soon as i changed it all steering wheel shake has stopped but i still here a thump noise every time i press the brake pedal on highways anyone know what this is ???
i had the same issue. i went as far as replacing all my suspension setup, rotors, pads, etc.
the culprit:
Control Arm Bushings
Replace them, get an alignment and you're golden. My car drives like a dream again.
the culprit:
Control Arm Bushings
Replace them, get an alignment and you're golden. My car drives like a dream again.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: NY
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,347
Likes: 6
From: RI
everything i need is right here Ikeya formula http://eliteautostyle.com/products/suspension_gs.htm
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 454
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From: KY