Shaking steering wheel
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 51
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From: Byron Center (Grand Rapids) Michigan
Shaking steering wheel
I bought my 2001 vert last year on its original wheels and tires. 33k on car. Lots of shaking in the steering wheel that I originally assumed to be 15 year old dry rotted tires.
I replaced the wheels and tires and the completely shot sway bar end links. I've checked over all other suspension pieces front and rear, no other visibly obvious issues.
Car still has a shake in the steering wheel.
This is my 3rd Vette so I know it's in their nature to f with their owner for no reason.
Any suggestions?
I replaced the wheels and tires and the completely shot sway bar end links. I've checked over all other suspension pieces front and rear, no other visibly obvious issues.
Car still has a shake in the steering wheel.
This is my 3rd Vette so I know it's in their nature to f with their owner for no reason.
Any suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 123
From: gresham oregon
I bought my 2001 vert last year on its original wheels and tires. 33k on car. Lots of shaking in the steering wheel that I originally assumed to be 15 year old dry rotted tires.
I replaced the wheels and tires and the completely shot sway bar end links. I've checked over all other suspension pieces front and rear, no other visibly obvious issues.
Car still has a shake in the steering wheel.
This is my 3rd Vette so I know it's in their nature to f with their owner for no reason.
Any suggestions?
I replaced the wheels and tires and the completely shot sway bar end links. I've checked over all other suspension pieces front and rear, no other visibly obvious issues.
Car still has a shake in the steering wheel.
This is my 3rd Vette so I know it's in their nature to f with their owner for no reason.
Any suggestions?
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Byron Center (Grand Rapids) Michigan
All 4 rotors are new as well. This was just done, no difference in shaking from old rotors to new.
I even went so far as to have the tires rebalanced after I replaced the brakes. No change.
I was a licensed brake and suspension mechanic while in collage and should be able to figure this out, but I can't.
I'm hoping this a "typical C5 issue" that has a mystery fix that only another C5 owner would know.
I even went so far as to have the tires rebalanced after I replaced the brakes. No change.
I was a licensed brake and suspension mechanic while in collage and should be able to figure this out, but I can't.
I'm hoping this a "typical C5 issue" that has a mystery fix that only another C5 owner would know.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 391
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '18
If it's in the steering wheel, it's likely in the front end.
You could just a have a poor balance or maybe even an issue with one of the tires.
It would be my strong suggestion to find a shop that has a ROAD FORCE balancer. Have all 4 of your wheels/tires rebalanced and make sure you have that variable doublechecked.
You could just a have a poor balance or maybe even an issue with one of the tires.
It would be my strong suggestion to find a shop that has a ROAD FORCE balancer. Have all 4 of your wheels/tires rebalanced and make sure you have that variable doublechecked.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 622
Likes: 48
From: Nederland Texas
Check the steering wheel for loose bolts or anything of the sort. Also check your power steering unit as well and maybe even you steering tube ( i don't know the actual name but the part that connects your steering wheel to the rack and pinion. Wouldn't hurt to check the full rack and pinion for damage or bad cuffs to the wheels. Could just need so love and care and tightening of some bolts.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 51
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From: Byron Center (Grand Rapids) Michigan
my tpm sensors died over the winter so it has to go in for that. I think I'll take another look at the suspension at that time with another set of eyes and look at steering as well.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
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From: gresham oregon
All 4 rotors are new as well. This was just done, no difference in shaking from old rotors to new.
I even went so far as to have the tires rebalanced after I replaced the brakes. No change.
I was a licensed brake and suspension mechanic while in collage and should be able to figure this out, but I can't.
I'm hoping this a "typical C5 issue" that has a mystery fix that only another C5 owner would know.
I even went so far as to have the tires rebalanced after I replaced the brakes. No change.
I was a licensed brake and suspension mechanic while in collage and should be able to figure this out, but I can't.
I'm hoping this a "typical C5 issue" that has a mystery fix that only another C5 owner would know.
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Make sure that the wheels/tires are not damaged (bent or out of round). Also, how are the shocks - are they still in good shape?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 51
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From: Byron Center (Grand Rapids) Michigan
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Byron Center (Grand Rapids) Michigan
Just left the tire shop. Had all 4 tires road force balanced. Left rear was 0.5 off. They said 0.5 degrees, but I remember the numbers to mean the amount of weight (in ounces) to add to the wheel...granted I stopped playing professional grease monkey way back in 1995 so maybe he's right with his terminology.
Shake is a bit less pronounced now than it was. Shaking is its worst over 60 mph which sounds like a balance issue.
Im probably expecting more smoothness from this than my '72 and '77 ever had, and of course it is smoother. It's just with the relatively low miles and mostly new components I feel like there should be zero vibration in the steering wheel.
Shake is a bit less pronounced now than it was. Shaking is its worst over 60 mph which sounds like a balance issue.
Im probably expecting more smoothness from this than my '72 and '77 ever had, and of course it is smoother. It's just with the relatively low miles and mostly new components I feel like there should be zero vibration in the steering wheel.
control arm bushings? Wheelbearings? Wreaked? I'm just thanking out loud. Tie rods?