Steering Wheel Shake

[rcropp]

I have searched the forum for info and found many causes for a shaky steering wheel on my 1997 LX 450. I think I have narrowed mine down to wheel bearings but I still wanted to lay out my symptoms to the forum just to make sure I am on track.

Here is what I know:

1. My steering wheels shakes between 40 and 50 mph.

2. It does not seem to shake when under acceleration.

3. It only seems to shake while maintaining the speed or while coasting at that speed.

4. I get no shake at all below 40 mph or above 50 mph.

So do you all agree is sounds like a wheel bearing .... or is my LX450 just haunted?

Thanks for your input.

 

[FJ60Cam]

I would start with easy stuff, like making sure that the tires have equal pressure, and getting the front two tires balanced.

 

[Squash]

x2 tires.
Also, have you been in mud or snow lately??? A build up of crud on your rims will cause the shakes.

 

[flintknapper]

Wheel bearings would be easy to confirm or eliminate as a possible source.

Jack up one front wheel at a time, grab at 12 and 6 O'Clock, try to "rock" the tire/wheel assembly. If you feel any appreciable movement, have someone look under the vehicle while you do it again.

Have them observe whether the movement looks like it is in the trunnion bearings (for the steering knuckle) or just from the wheel, (possible to have both bad also).

If no movement is seen or felt its not the bearings.

 

[rcropp]

Wheels have been balanced.

If it is not the wheel bearings or trunnion bearings ...are the possibilities endless of what it could be?

 

[CodyRx7]

Sure you haven't thrown a weight?

It took me all of 2 days to lose some clamp weights on my front tires and return my steering wheel shakes.

 

[rcropp]

Would a thrown weight make my steering wheel shake at speeds only between 40 and 50 mph?

Thanks

 

[flintknapper]

Wheels have been balanced.

If it is not the wheel bearings or trunnion bearings ...are the possibilities endless of what it could be?

The possibilities are not "endless", but it can take awhile to run it down.

I had a bit of vibration in mine about a year ago and finally found out I had a blown front shock. I didn't really think that would make much difference, but a few days later (thanks for the fast shipping Dan) my problem was solved.

Others have traced it to drive shaft imbalance (check yours for proper phase), the phase is different front to back.

Of course, start with the simple stuff: Build up of dirt, mud, etc on wheel. Tire imbalance because of lost weights, drive shaft out of phase, shocks not blown.

 

[rcropp]

Thanks for the advice. I checked and the front drive shaft is "in phase" -- so that needs to be corrected. I just had the Rear main seal done and the shop set up the front drive shaft as per the rear. So that may add to a bit of vibration -- but from what I have read that would not cause the shaking. But I am glad you pointed out the phase issue - now I can get it corrected right away.

I sure hope I can get this corrected this week. I am headed out on a 10 hour trip next weekend and don't want to have any issues

 

[CodyRx7]

my steering wheel shake due to thrown wheel weights is random, but a specific speed shake is what my problem was with a dead U joint up front on the driveshaft (and again after I bent my rear DS) - but that was overall vehicle shaking, and not just steering wheel.

Steering wheel shaking seems to usually mean unbalanced wheels, or a loose bolt in the front suspension.

 

[Red Beard]

I got my tires balanced and the shaking went away for me too. (40 - 50mph) But that was before the big tires. I believe some people got rid of it with a new steering stabilizer too.

 

[nickryan]

Okay, I’m not crazy and others have had this problem. The wheel shakes on my 1997 LX450 from about 43-50 mph, but not above or below.

Have tires balanced

 

[COYS]

Had this exact same odd steering wobble at high 40s to low 50 mph ish when I first got my 80. Wheel tire balance imbalance promotes steering shake typically at hwy speeds.
Turns out it was a worn out wheel bearing. Full front and rear axle refresh done. Gonzo.

80 drive exp will significantly improve with full suspension rubbers refresh and caster correction. Did all this in short order. It’s a must!

 

[nickryan]

Had this exact same odd steering wobble at high 40s to low 50 mph ish when I first got my 80. Wheel tire balance issue promotes steering shake typically at hwy speeds.
Turns out it was a worn out wheel bearing. Full front and rear axle refresh done. Gonzo.

80 drive exp will significantly improve with full suspension rubbers refresh and caster correction. Did all this in short order. It’s a must!

Good to know! I just picked mine up with 210,000 miles. I've only driven it 300 miles so still trying to get a feel for it. I'll add your suggestions to my growing list.