Problem started several months ago. When going 55-65mph, the steering wheel started to shake- no problems at lower speeds. Recently, the wobbling/shaking is quite severe at 20-40mph, and seems to improve over 45mph. Feels like the wheel is going to fall off, or the front-end is going to drop. Condition does not worsen when I apply brakes, so I do not think at first glance that it is a rotor or pad problem. Sound like a wheel balance, alignment problem ? Or a suspension, ball joint or bearing problem?

 

Most likely wheel balance. This can be exaggeratedy a bad shock absorber (sounds like your case is pretty bad). Could also be belt separation in the tire and getting worse. Take it in and have them check the shocks, other suspension components and tire run-out. If everything is good, have the front tires balanced.

 

I pretty much agree with Keith, except I'd suspect the tires more than the other things. You can get an idea of whether it's the tires by doing a tire rotation and seeing if that changes symptoms.

 

One other thing you can add to the list is a bad bushing on one of the lower suspension arms. I never was able to remove the bad bushing, but I remember some of one of our fellow members from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico was able to accomplish this. This is the lower suspension arm bushing on the driver's side, https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...98&postcount=4

 

Thanks Dudes- I will take it in tomorrow to tire dealer where I purchased the tires. They also do all related repairs. Hoping it's just a balance problem. Will holler back at y'all when I find out whassup.

 

sounds like wheel balancing.. had a problem lke tat from the dealer about a month ago.. wobbles at high speeds.. make sure to get them balanced.. also make sure that they didn't overtighten the lugs.. some one else here on the forums told me that.. someone remind us how tight the lugs should be please?

greg

 

76 ft-lbs.

 

Thanks to all of you for your input!! Turned out to be all of the above- balance on left front, and alignment causing bulging belt on right front.

 

Well, misalignment won't cause a bulging belt - that's most likely a tire manufacturing defect. Are the tires covered by any manufacturing defect warranty? Of course, many places will try to tell you that it's damage caused by hitting a kerb or pothole (which it may be, if it's on the sidewall but highly unlikely if it's on the tread).