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Front end vibration

Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 6:53 pm
by suba
Okay, so I've done some research, done some searching and still need some opinions.

Car:
90 Legacy L, AWD, 200K, 5mt, 10k on GR2's, original front springs, 10k on new OEM rear springs with lower coil locked out (for ride height and clearance), 16 inch alloy wheels with toyo proxes 4 205 55 16.

Problem:
Yesterday I had the tires rotated and balanced, wear is pretty good on the tires and I've been running them at about 35 psi which has seemed to be pretty good both wear and ride wise. On the way to work this morning the girlfriend reported a little vibration in the front end over about 55, nothing major but definitely there. Also she noted that in a slight turn it seemed to go away, though I haven't driven it yet since she said that, but I just want to get a few ideas before I really dig in to it. Now, in the past I've had problems with the local schwabies not balancing tires correctly on my truck which was my first thought. Also the car had vibration before, which seemed to lessen with new struts.

Question:
Anyone have any thoughts on areas to take a good look at before I go back and have the tires rebalanced? Though that is my first suspect since the 'normal' vibration seems to have increased. Last time I was under the car I looked at the bushings and tie rod ends and they seemed fine, though I didn't inspect them too closely. The only other areas I can think of are the steering rack bushings, tie rod ends or steering rod ends. Any thoughts on the matter?

Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 8:07 pm
by gijonas
The other stuff you mention is not going to cause vibration at speed,or ever - bushings and whatnot that is.If this happened after a balance then have them rebalance,happens all the time.

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2009 11:18 pm
by suba
Update:
Went to schwabs today and had them rebalance the wheels. Turns out there were two problems; the wheel that they moved up to the front was out of balance, but it also appears to be slightly bent. As a temporary remedy they balanced it again and then moved it back to the rear. Vibration is lessened but the only thing I can do to really fix it is a new wheel, guess I'll just live with it for now.