Steering wheel vibrates when turning to the right?

Tiny
DMACK00
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 PONTIAC G6
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,800 MILES
So yesterday while I was driving, I noticed that my steering wheel starts to vibrate when I turn it to the right but when I turn it to the left it doesn’t. So today when I got in my car it still vibrated when it gets turned to right but my power steering goes out with it but when I turn it to the left it doesn’t go. I’m trying to figure out the problem. I recently just changed my front driver's tire. Would that cause a problem like this?
Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 AT 2:18 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

By chance, is the tire you used as a replacement a different size? Is it a different wheel or anything different that the original one that was removed? It could be hitting something under the vehicle when you turn to the right.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 AT 4:39 PM
Tiny
DMACK00
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The tire I put on is 215/55/17 and the passenger side is 225/55/17.
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Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If the problem started after the tire replacement, that is where I would start. Keep in mind, you went to a smaller tire. Since these are both on the front, the drive axles are now required to turn at different speeds even when going straight. Turning changes, it even more. The larger tire turns slower, and turning right causes that to even be slower. I have a feeling that is the cause.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 AT 5:19 PM
Tiny
DMACK00
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  • 9 POSTS
Yes, it started after the tire change. I made the change Friday and the vibration started Monday, but I noticed immediately it threw my steering off because I had turn more to right to keep me going straight. So, I’ll do a tire swap tomorrow and I’ll let you know if it fixes the issue.
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Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
DMACK00
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  • 9 POSTS
Hey, I have an update. I’ve changed the tire to the correct fit but it stills give a little vibrate when I turn to the right and my power steering proceeds to go out.
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 AT 7:52 AM
Tiny
DMACK00
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This is the sound it makes when I slightly turn to the right.
Video (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

I heard something. It sounds like a slight rattle from a plastic component. Since the tire was replaced, has it improved? Also, when you lifted the vehicle, did you make sure the Jack was in the correct location? Sorry for so many questions. If I was there, I would automatically be checking things.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 AT 6:27 PM
Tiny
DMACK00
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
No, I haven’t noticed no improvement after tire changed, for me to keep my car straight my steering wheel almost has to be at a 90-degree angle. Whenever my steering wheel centers my power steering goes out, I can drive a decent 10 mins without it going out until its center. I’m hearing the noise in the video from under the steering wheel where the main electrical components are located. I appreciate the questions, it’s no problem, I really appreciate you trying to help me with my problem.
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 AT 8:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like something such as a tie rod was bent when the tire was replaced. When you lifted the vehicle to change the tire, where did you place the jack? If possible, take a pic of the location and upload it for me.

Also, place the steering wheel straight ahead. Stand a slight distance from the front of the vehicle and inspect both front tires. Do they appear to be equal in the directions they point?

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, February 16th, 2023 AT 4:52 PM

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