65 MPH Vibes

[jode]

Hello, at about 60, the 93 metro starts to shimmy. Around 65, I can still hang on. At 70, the car feels like it is going to come apart.

The passenger front tire is wearing excessively on the inside edge and the steering arm coming out of the rack & pinion has play in it. The play is not at the rod end joint, but seems to be coming from inside the boot of the R&P.

Any thoughts on the solution here? Is there a part to replace or something to tighten, or do I need a whole new steering assembly to go with my alignment?

I guess I should also mention that the tires are not a matched set, but the wear on the one tire seems to indicate that may not be the problem.

Will be buying a new matched set of tires tomorrow and would hate to ruin the passenger front tire in so short of time. Also, I'm sure it is not good on the car to have so much vibration nor can it be good for MPG which is the whole reason we have this car (it doesn't seem to be working well for picking up chicks. )

[j0k3rk1ll3r]

I had the same issue, twice! the wheel isnt balanced/lump in tire, Pretty much just get a new tire have it balanced, if thats not it, well take it away Jonny Mullet!

[forsa87]

Other issues to check (in addition to your steering linkage jiont) are RH CV Joint and with car jacked up ...again check play in the lower arm ball-joint. Another possibility (because of wear issue described) is that your RH Strut has had some side impact or is loose at top and you've go too much Camber (if not damaged,that will be corrected with your new Alignment).

[jode]

Well, the ball joint seems fine, and the CV joints are DEFINITELY bad. Do bad CV joints typically cause vibration and accelerated tire wear?

One problem with the tires - I can't get a 12" rim tire ANYWHERE! Even the Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels site is backordered. WTH!?

[forsa87]

Bad CVs will cause vibration ...expecially noticeable at higher speeds. The tire wear you describe is sually an indication of too much Toe-out or too much Camber on RH side. For tires you could try usual sources ...large Auto Supply Centers like Pep Bos, Advance, etc. ...they usually have one or two smaller sizes around $40 each ...here's also a source ...Compare Tire Search Results

Originally Posted by jode

Well, the ball joint seems fine, and the CV joints are DEFINITELY bad. Do bad CV joints typically cause vibration and accelerated tire wear?

One problem with the tires - I can't get a 12" rim tire ANYWHERE! Even the Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels site is backordered. WTH!?

[jode]

FYI, a new set of tires did the trick - 100% resolution! Yeah!

[Old3banger]

Please explain how new tires can provide "100% resolution!":

"the steering arm coming out of the rack & pinion has play in it. The play is not at the rod end joint, but seems to be coming from inside the boot of the R&P.....the CV joints are DEFINITELY bad"

Did the tire shop eliminate this "play" for you & fix the CV joints?

I only ask b/c there's such a good chance your new tires will be subject to premature & uneven wear.

[jode]

The CV joints are definitely still bad, and there is still a little bit of play on the passenger side steering rod end. I fully expect the passenger front tire to experience premature wear.

The tires provided 100% resolution to the road vibrations that were the subject of this thread.

CV Joints and other issues are pending and will be addressed when I can. Thanks for your concern.

[j0k3rk1ll3r]

Heya Jode,

Congrats! a simple imbalenced wheel can do alot of damage... you also might want to look into new rotors& brake pads, for it as it may start to shake since you have it fixed, (after effect, noticed 20 or so miles after fixed, 20.00 per side new or recondition if cheaper) new struts would also be good but ehh... i havnt yet,

[bowes45]

need programming guide for keyless start