2CarPros - Car Questions & Answers

1996 Toyota Corolla Repair Question


Topics covered: Vibration, Wheel, Steering.
Mileage: 164,000 miles.

Asked on August 11, 2012

Could worn steering rack cause vibrations?

I have a vibration bad vibration from 55mph to almost 70mph. At first I thought the problem could be with worn cv axles, but after replacing them I found the vibration persisted. The tie rod ends are tight, but the steering rod moves in and out of the rack about 1/8"-1/4" when the vehicle is raised. I guess my question is that is this normal or not and what else do I need to be checking to eliminate this issue.
Avatar Asked by dansfraz

Answer

Replied on August 11, 2012

Worn steering parts will not cause a vibration but they can allow some other cause to make a vibration feel worse. At lower speeds suspect a broken tire belt or bent wheel but at the higher speeds you mentioned tire balance is the logical suspect. An out-of-balance rear wheel will be felt in the car seat and floor. A front wheel will be felt in the steering wheel.

Worn inner cv joints will cause a shimmy in the steering wheel while under load such as when accelerating but that goes away as speed increases.

Tiny Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,633 answers provided
Replied on August 11, 2012

Ok, thank you. I will have my tires rotated and balanced soon and let you know how it goes.

Tiny Response from dansfraz
5 questions asked
Replied on August 11, 2012

I went and had my tires balanced and rotated them. The vibration is gone. Thank you very much.

Tiny Response from dansfraz
5 questions asked

Replied on August 11, 2012

All right! One in a row. Happy to hear it was a simple fix.

Tiny Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,633 answers provided