Stan944

I gradually developed small vibration at the steering wheel at speeds above about 80 km/h. As I just swaped the tires into winter ones, I rule out wheels being off balance. I think it's the front disks that are too blame. They are worn out. Will turning the disks (at a shop) help? I have my doubts, as the disks are factory balanced, and this balance gets worse as the metal wear goes, and I can't get the balance checked.
FYI: I also get medium-strong steering wheel vibration upon braking from similar speeds.
Thanks.

Gator_86_951

What about your ball joints? Any popping?

xsboost90

ok the tires still could be to blame if they were not high speed balanced. Ive had this before. The vibration in braking is usually a partially warped rotor. I would suggest new pads, rotors and see if it goes away, if not rebalance the tires...happens alot.

Stan944

I believe the wheels were balanced on a machine - I can see new balance weights. I don't know what kind of machine they use.

Your suggestion of using new rotors and pads is good, but I would much rather go for an economy solution, especially that I put new front pads recently. Does it make sense just to resurface the rotors, and keep the old (but rather new) pads?

83na944

If your rotors are worn out, then they can't be turned. That is, they will be too thin to remove enough metal to make them smooth again. You might want to invest in a set of front rotors, they're not too expensive and stopping is real important.

BTW, early models without power steering seem to have a problem with the vibration. I suspect some suspension component wears quickly. AFAIK, no one ever really figured this out.

Stan944

If I get new rotors, is it necessary to get new pads too? I don't want to sound cheap, but I installed new ones less than 2 months ago.

austin944

Bad rotors won't normally cause a vibration when not braking. If you want the 'economy solution' I would begin by inspecting the front suspension components, the steering, and the wheel bearings. Check for any slop or play. At 100k miles my inner tie-rods were worn and were causing steering wheel vibrations on the highway. I could turn the wheels slightly and see no movement in the rack it was so bad.

Stan944

I might have multiple problems, one of them being a bad rotor (vibration upon braking). I'll check the components for play, although it's probably not the tie rods, as I have zero play in the steering wheel ! - serviced a while ago.

83na944

No, not if they are wearing evenly.

Stan944

I thought I might post an update, since the solution turned out quite interesting:
I didn't get new nor had resurfaced the rotors. The front wheels developed a small amount of play in the bearings. I tightened the nut a bit, and the vibrations in the steering wheel are gone almost entirely. Both while cruising at speed, and when braking. It's been a month since I did it, and so far the problem haven't reappeared.