Last week I bought a set of Bridgestone RE950's for my NA 944. They are 215/60 on 15" phone dials.

I've got a fairly obnoxious vibration in the steering wheel between 60 and 70 mph. The obvious answer is that the wheels were not properly balanced. However, when I left the shop that mounted and balanced the wheels they swore they were "balanced to zero."

Should I take the car back to the shop and have them try again? Any other advice?

The Bridgestones are replacing a set of Yokohama AVS Intermediates. I had no vibration problems whatsoever with those tires. So, I don't think the vibration problem is in the wheels or suspension.

Is it possible that the wheels could be "balanced to zero" and I could still get this vibration? Or did the mechanic just not get the wheels balanced properly?

Cheers,

Mark

P.S. I searched previous posts, but I didn't find one that quite addessed my concern.

 

Perhaps have the tires moved on the rims after that you have braked or accelerated. Take them bake to the shop and make sure that the wheels are put on without sticking lube.

 

Take them back to the installer and have it done again. If the guy running the balancing equipment was satisfied with 'good enough' then you could certainly have this condition. Go back and demand they be balanced to your satisfaction. They should correct it at no cost.

 

I have had experiences where the stick on balancing weights come off. It seems to occur right after balancing.

Also check that there was no front suspension damage during tire installation such as a bent tire rod. Had that happen during a state vehicle inspection.