Ekul61

Bought a clean 97 with 91k miles. New tires. The car has a little vibration on the freeway. What would be some worn parts that might add a little vibration ? Thanks

LeX2K

Almost always tires. In rare cases a bad axle can cause this but it has to be pretty far gone.

Ekul61

Thanks bought new Michelin’s. My neighbor thought ball joints.

LeX2K

So was it tires? Ball joints can cause the tires to bounce around but the joints have to be really bad and be making a heck of a noise.

Ekul61

No not tires, still searching thanks.

HomerJay

​​​​​​Was the vibration an existing problem or after the new tires?
Although the tires are new, the balance could be off. Bring it back and have the shop recheck the balance.

Ekul61

Yes it was there before and after new tires. Thanks

BROCKES300

Control arms (front and rear) cause some vibration on the highway, if the rubber is dried out. Might also be your alignment.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Where are you feeling the vibration is coming from and at what speeds?

Bent wheels is another area more likely to cause a vibration at highway speeds. Find a shop with a road force balance machine to check for that.

Ekul61

Just a little vibration in the steering wheel at 65. Mph. It’s a old car so hard telling. Im guessing since it only has 91 k miles. All metal parts are ok. Most likely something rubber has just dried out from old age. Mechanic said maybe ball joints. I might try a suspension shop.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Its more likely a wheel/tire issue than suspension. The ball joints and tie rods last a long time. I’m guessing you pushed and pulled on the wheel to check for play which would rule them out.

I have a small vibration at highway speeds and it was confirmed to be a wheel issue. A road force balance has drastically reduced it but my wheels are from another car and unfortunately in poor shape. If I ever get around to them I would get them all refurbished to be perfectly straight.

Usually wheel straightening/balance is around $150/wheel.

Ekul61

Thx. I purchased new tires. Will go back and have alignment checked

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Yeah I noticed you got Michelin tires. The issue can still be with the wheels. I had severe vibrations on used rims with new tires. The rims were bent and it only got better after getting them straightened and rebalanced two times.

I haven’t had any luck reducing vibrations with an alignment. Alignments usually fix pulling to one side. Still a good idea with new tires but it won’t fix vibrations.

Ekul61

I meant balance.. you are correct about alignments