steering wheel shaking at freeway speed

[Kaotik25]

I got a 89 HB, never been in an accident. About two weeks ago the car acts fine but after i rotated the tires the steering wheel started to shake at around 55-65mph. Can some one please tell me what might be the problem? Greatly appreciated.

[Kaotik25]

okie so i did some research and imma go check out for wheel play.....could it be the tires? maybe...could it be from alignment??

[Natty]

Do a search for wheel shimmy.
In short, it can be anything, but start with getting your tires balanced and look for dented rims. From there, check the TC bushings and tie rods ends.

[Kaotik25]

thank you....imma go get the tires balance today

[Dream240]

here's a tip for the SE rims on the S13s, when you get them balanced have the shop do a "lug-centric balance" not a standard "hub-centric balance"

The steelies are just a regular balance no big mystery there. But trust me, the SE alloys require this balance type due to the type of rim construction.

And also another tip: your tie rod ends and TC rods won't cause a shimmy unless they're practically falling off the car. The TC rods are for front end stability during handling not freeway speed shimmy. And the outer tie rods would have to have almost 1" of freeplay for you to notice a shimmy and at this point you're probably gonna wreck anyways.

Hope this helps.

[Shawn_of_the_Dead]

I had a similar problem, but at lower speeds. I just replaced the bushing around my steering rack and it actually helped alot. I have better response and it doesn't "shimmy" anymore that I have noticed. The thing with the wheel makes sense to...mine are always off a little and it take the tire technician longer to balance cuz he has to keep redoing it....or he's just retarded...

either way, replaced them in a short time with Energy Suspension ones I got from SPL Parts. Probably the best $29 I have spent....seriously.

[wangan_cruiser]

check this


wheel balance/tire condition
alignment
and lastly....jack your car up and push your wheels on the side to see any play. most likely is your tie rod end bushing

i have the same problem....when u cruise at 55-65 your steering wheel starts to shake. i cant wait to install my new spl parts tie rod ends

[Hentaro]

I have the same problem....4 different BRAND tires and treads, my left front is worn down more than my right front. It had a bad previous owner.