I have an 01 IS300 w/37,700. I just bought the car last week. When cruising at 80, I get a slight vibration that seems to roll on gradually, peak, and roll off gradually. This cycle is repeated and each cycle lasts 3-5 seconds from begining to end with maybe a second between each cycle. The only thing I can relate to you is that it feels and sounds like you are driving over coarse asphault. It's not severe and it is not a tire balance problem. Tires are newer and balanced. It is not felt in drivers wheel but kind of in the whole car. It is not noticable at higher speeds. Does anyone out there have any ideas as to what could cause this? Please help.....I do not want to get the run around at the dealer. Thanks, Greg

 

Sounds like a tire problem. What brand of tires are they and how much tread is on all of the tires?

 

They are new(er). Nitto's, car was turned in lease at 36k. They have about 1500-1700 miles on them.

 

maybe balance is off on one of the wheels?

 

This is important.....is it a VIBRATION or a SHIMMY? They are two different things and come from different sources? A vibration is more like a buzzing feeling and sound....it usually DOESN'T vary with wheel speed. A shimmy is a noticible back-and-forth or up-and-down motion in the steering wheel, brake pedal, or front end that usually DOES vary with wheel speed.

Vibrations are usually caused by loose or poorly attached components causing a resonance.
Shimmies are usually caused by bent, out-of-round, or out-of-balance components.

 

This is a vibration. Wheels+tires are fine. No shimmy.

 

Nitto Tires aren't the greatest brand tire out there. They are fairly inexpensive and loud riding. It's possible that you have a bad set of tires with what you're describing.

 

I will vouch for this. i have nittos on mine and i get an awful vibration around 50-60 mph. major PITA. good luck!

 

Forgot to mention i'm at about 38k with my 04 IS. I replaced the OEM Bridgestone 040's at about 25k. My Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 225/45WR17's are great, vibration free and on top of that quiet as the day i bought them. They've even had exposure to the California Speedway infield/half oval course for a couple days and they still run smooth. You get what you pay for is my motto.

 

Thanks for all the info. Since I had just purchesed the car I was worried there might be something bent. I am changing over to winter tires and rims and I'll report back. Thanks to all who chimed in!

 

No prob. The Tire Rack has great deals on snow tires if you haven't already checked. www.tirerack.com

 

A very wise move. An IS300 in a New England winter with summer high-performance tires is BAD news....even with the snow mode tranny, ABS, and T/C. Trust me on that one.

 

Just recieved the tires and rims today. Will mount ASAP and get back to all. Thanks.

 

That set of wheels and Goodyears did the trick. Ride is as smooth as silk now. Thanks to all!

 

congrats on getting back the good old smooth ride