'95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
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From: Texas
'95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what?
As I accelerate the car seems to get shakier and shakier, making the steering wheel vibrate decently well too. The car kind of jumps around almost like it's hovering instead of sticking. I know I'm going to need new tires, but what else could cause this? Car already had 117k miles when I got it, so who knows what's been done and/or neglected alignment wise, but it's only at high speeds that I've really noticed it. I'd say 50-60+ is when it starts. It makes the car unbearable over 100+ (yea I know :p: ). What should I have done first, if/when I get any more money out of my job?
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 515
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From: Everett WA
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (BowTieBlood)
i would say about 75% that its alignment
and the rest that its wheel balance.
because, mine does that. above 60mph. but only started doing that after i screwed with the alignment. (trying to make it better myself.. doh)
the reason for the 25% chance its wheel balance, is because i feel that that is a very possible reason for a 'start spot' vibration. otherwise it would be gradual. and, i happen to not that the weights on my car are a very possible culprit. (i dont trust them to still be where they are.)
as soon as i get some $$$!!! im gona get both checked out.
and the rest that its wheel balance.
because, mine does that. above 60mph. but only started doing that after i screwed with the alignment. (trying to make it better myself.. doh)
the reason for the 25% chance its wheel balance, is because i feel that that is a very possible reason for a 'start spot' vibration. otherwise it would be gradual. and, i happen to not that the weights on my car are a very possible culprit. (i dont trust them to still be where they are.)
as soon as i get some $$$!!! im gona get both checked out.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (BowTieBlood)
You can get away with a normal wheel balance on your SUV or luxury car, but not on a vehicle like the Corvette.
What you need to do is find a place that uses the Hunter GSP9700 wheel balancer and vibration control system.
Go to http://www.gsp9700.com
This is not a bunch of advertising hype.
I'll never have tires balanced for my Corvette any other way, until something better comes along.
Tom Piper
What you need to do is find a place that uses the Hunter GSP9700 wheel balancer and vibration control system.
Go to http://www.gsp9700.com
This is not a bunch of advertising hype.
I'll never have tires balanced for my Corvette any other way, until something better comes along.
Tom Piper
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (Tom Piper)
Another good idea is to buy the tires at the place that has the Hunter GSP9700 that is going to be used to balance your tires. If they happen to pick a tire from their stock that has sidewall force variation that can't be matched to your rims, they can just select another one. If you bring in your own tires, they are probably just going to tell you they can't balance it -- you may have to go back to where you bought them and try to exchange it.
Tom Piper
Tom Piper
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
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From: Oak Harbor WA
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (BowTieBlood)
Replace the tie rod ends first, then get an alignment. You'll have to get new ones soon anyway with 117K miles and then need an alignment done again.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 101
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From: Austin TX
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (BowTieBlood)
This has always boiled down to a balancing problem for me and my 96 LT4. It has 70K miles and never had an alignment or any front end work. It usually the luck of the cards that I get a tire tech who knows how to balance them properly so that I don't get vibration at cruise or high speed.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Matawan NJ
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (jcook00)
Usually it's the balance, if the steering wheel shakes at low speeds, it would be a bad tire, broken belt in the tire. If the steering wheel shakes at high speeds, 50 to 60 and you go a little faster it will go away at 70, but go a little faster it will come back, most of the time it's the balance. You could have a bad front end part but start with the balance.
I always thought the aligment was to keep the car going in a straight path down the road, keeping it from pulling from one side or the other.
Good Luck
I always thought the aligment was to keep the car going in a straight path down the road, keeping it from pulling from one side or the other.
Good Luck
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (86shark)
This might sound stupid, but since you bought the car used, I'd also have all four tires removed from their rims and inspected.
I once used a can of Fix-a-Flat sealant during an emergency and wasn't able to get the tire repaired for a couple of days. During that time, some of the dried goo seperated from the hole in the tire and was spinning around freely in the tire carcass.
The result? One helluva vibration problem at 70 mph and higher. The technican opened the tire, removed the goo, and plugged the tire properly and the vibration stopped.
When it comes to auto repair, ALWAYS assume the simple! :thumbs:
I once used a can of Fix-a-Flat sealant during an emergency and wasn't able to get the tire repaired for a couple of days. During that time, some of the dried goo seperated from the hole in the tire and was spinning around freely in the tire carcass.
The result? One helluva vibration problem at 70 mph and higher. The technican opened the tire, removed the goo, and plugged the tire properly and the vibration stopped.
When it comes to auto repair, ALWAYS assume the simple! :thumbs:
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 515
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From: Everett WA
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (onedef92)
ah... im a dunce. make sure to check thoes u joints.
ME :smash:
i just changed all of mine out. so that is a big possiblity too.
probably make sure they are seated right. and thats about it.
ME :smash:
i just changed all of mine out. so that is a big possiblity too.
probably make sure they are seated right. and thats about it.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 428
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From: Dallas Tx
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (Brimis)
On the Vette possibilities (assuming that everything was OK at some point) are:
1) the low tire pressure sensor is loose or broken in the tire.
2) the rotors have warped/worn unevenly and are now unbalanced
3) a tire has thrown a wheel weight. Most of the time the weights are stick on, and will loosen over time.
4) The steering rack or tie rod ends are worn.
5) the ball joints or control arm bushings are very worn.
A good shop should be able to eliminate the wear items by inspection.
A quick spin on a good balance machine should eliminate the tire items.
3) Brake rotor problems also usually have a pulsating pedal at some time.
Hope this helps.
1) the low tire pressure sensor is loose or broken in the tire.
2) the rotors have warped/worn unevenly and are now unbalanced
3) a tire has thrown a wheel weight. Most of the time the weights are stick on, and will loosen over time.
4) The steering rack or tie rod ends are worn.
5) the ball joints or control arm bushings are very worn.
A good shop should be able to eliminate the wear items by inspection.
A quick spin on a good balance machine should eliminate the tire items.
3) Brake rotor problems also usually have a pulsating pedal at some time.
Hope this helps.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 15
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From: Cortland IL
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (BowTieBlood)
I normally don't get involved with these things but I can't resist this one. If your vibration gets progressively worse than it is most likely just in need of a balance. Since it is most likely that just get it done and take that variable out of the equation. I have also raced a lot always having our tires balanced at local tire shops. We have never had a problem if you just stress to them you will be racing the car or something. As far as checking your suspension for play, do it yourself. Park your tires on a slippery surface or two pieces of tin , aluminum with some motor oil in between for lube so the tires can turn . start jerking on the front and back of the tires one at a time. Determine where there is play- hubs, tie rods... a shop will always find something wrong with your car they can get you for jus do it yourself. Check out my website, if you have questions about alignments just e-mail me.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
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From: Texas
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (cwiehle)
Thanks everyone! Soon as I get some cash I'll get them balanced, that was my first idea of what to do, let's hope it's that :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,836
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From: Global Warming My Butt
Re: '95 shakes at 50+ mph, alignment, wheel balancing, what? (BowTieBlood)
Thanks everyone! Soon as I get some cash I'll get them balanced, that was my first idea of what to do, let's hope it's that :cheers:
