Trying to Troubleshoot Vibration

[nachtmusik]

Looking for some opinions. I searched, but didn't find any definitive/semi-definitive answers.

With two different sets of wheels, both with new(er) tires, I get a good amount of vibration through the steering column between 70-80 mph. It's enough vibration to shake the front passenger seat. I also get a very similar vibration when braking hard.

Given that it's happening with two different sets of wheels/tires, I'm disinclined to think it's a balancing issue or a bent wheel. And because the tires are brand new on one set of wheels, I don't think it's a treadwear/cupping issue (however I will check). Could it be a warped rotor?

Any suggestions on what to look for would be appreciated.

Edit: No spacers, stock suspension.

[rajuncajun37]

sorry, bro

Can't help you with ya VIBRATION. First, we all have a vibration. Second, I need more info.
Pics for Chicks.

[robocopywriter]

Sounds like your shocks are done.

[choppeR32]

Are you running spacers? Sometimes when front spacers are installed incorrectly you'll get a ton of vibration. It could be a warped rotor as well but you would smell smoking brake pads from the constant rubbing if so. Next time it happens, pull over and stand next to your front tire. If you smell any foul odors coming from your wheel that's probably the case.

[nachtmusik]

Thanks for all the replies guys. The car has only 26k miles. Could the shocks be toast already? I know it's an eight year old car.

I can't pinpoint the exact time I first noticed the issue, but I seem to recall it being around the time I had the dealership mount/balance new tires on the Aristos. Could they have over-torqued the wheel bolts and warped one of the rotors? I didn't run the Aristos for very long before swapping over to my winter wheels, and the symptoms were there too...when they never had been previously.

I checked this morning and didn't smell anything after I got to work, but it was raining pretty good. Two weekends ago, when I was installing my UNIbrace, I smelled that foul brake odor and it seemed to be coming from the rear passenger side wheel.

Edit: Forgot to mention, no spacers and stock suspension.

[vwsteve19]

If you get it under braking I would be inclined to say rotors. How many miles on your current rotors?

[nachtmusik]

If you get it under braking I would be inclined to say rotors. How many miles on your current rotors?

26k miles on stock rotors and pads.

[Cactushead]

Mine seems to vibrate above 60 but only when it is cold. Does this first thing when I leave the house and get on the highway. The whole car vibrates slightly.

[loosefalcon]

If you get it under braking I would be inclined to say rotors.

Seconded. If you have lift access, or have a floor jack, I'd suggest taking the wheels off one by one and checking the rotors. The easiest way to check for a warped rotor is to take the wheel off, put one lug bolt back in, and spin the rotor by hand as quickly as you can. If you've got good eyes you'll be able to tell very quickly whether your rotor is warped or not. Just watch the top of the rotor very carefully while you're spinning it. Good luck getting this figured out!

[lilj]

mine does the same thing but not when i brake, only at 70-8-mph..

[horribleR]

Wheel bearing? Something to do with the steering system? Bolt loose?

[robocopywriter]

26K miles? Your car is ruined. I'll trade you for mine with 70K.

[vwsteve19]

Mine seems to vibrate above 60 but only when it is cold. Does this first thing when I leave the house and get on the highway. The whole car vibrates slightly.

This is probably just the tires being slightly deformed until they get warmed up, guessing it goes away after a few miles.

[vwsteve19]

26k miles on stock rotors and pads.

Seconded. If you have lift access, or have a floor jack, I'd suggest taking the wheels off one by one and checking the rotors. The easiest way to check for a warped rotor is to take the wheel off, put one lug bolt back in, and spin the rotor by hand as quickly as you can. If you've got good eyes you'll be able to tell very quickly whether your rotor is warped or not. Just watch the top of the rotor very carefully while you're spinning it. Good luck getting this figured out!

Seems unlikely with that low of mileage to be warped but stranger things have happened, try this test if you can spin them fast enough by hand to spot it, seems pretty difficult though.

[yocoop]

Didnt see if you had spacers or not but if they're off even a tiny fraction you'll get vibration at those speeds. GL