Steering wheel shaking at highway speeds after new tires

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stonekutters

SILVER Star
10 Year
Joined
Dec 2, 2014
Threads
24
Messages
183
Location
San Jose, CA
Hi folks:

I just changed up to BFG KO2 285/75 R16 from the stock tire size and got them installed at America's Tire. On the way home I noticed a lot of steering shake at highway speeds! The shaking was a lot - had to drive in the slow lane. This doesn't happen when idle or at speeds below ~45mph.

What could be causing the issue? Some thoughts:
  • Tires need alignment
  • Something wrong with steering column
  • Any other ideas?
Appreciate the input and suggested next steps!
 
Your tires are out of balance. Go back to the tire shop and have them do it again. I had tires put on at Costco recently and it took them 3 tries to get it right. If you get real frustrated, just bring it to your dealer and have them balance them - my dealer always nails it on the first try.

My steering wheel shake presented itself at 65 mph plus or minus. No vibration at 60 or 70mph. After the 3rd try, smooth at all speeds.
 
RND1 said:
Your tires are out of balance. Go back to the tire shop and have them do it again. I had tires put on at Costco recently and it took them 3 tries to get it right. If you get real frustrated, just bring it to your dealer and have them balance them - my dealer always nails it on the first try.

My steering wheel shake presented itself at 65 mph plus or minus. No vibration at 60 or 70mph. After the 3rd try, smooth at all speeds.
Click to expand...

Awesome - thanks!
 
The shop you got them installed at may be dynamically balancing your tires - not sure since I've never been to an America's Tire but just assuming. Ask for road force balancing or find a shop that does that technique and I bet you will be satisfied
 
stonekutters said:
Hi folks:

I just changed up to BFG KO2 285/75 R16 from the stock tire size and got them installed at America's Tire. On the way home I noticed a lot of steering shake at highway speeds! The shaking was a lot - had to drive in the slow lane. This doesn't happen when idle or at speeds below ~45mph.

What could be causing the issue? Some thoughts:
  • Tires need alignment
  • Something wrong with steering column
  • Any other ideas?
Appreciate the input and suggested next steps!
Click to expand...

Same thing here...I just bought the exact same tires, thought it was good until I hit highway speeds. Shook like crazy man...steering wheel and seats and console. Something about Toyotas, they are very difficult to balance, my Tacoma was a nightmare.

I'm taking mine back tomorrow to Tire Discounters for a second attempt. Good luck to you sir...
 
WarWagon said:
Hub centric and not lug centric balancing; sadly not all shops know the difference.
Click to expand...
Interesting, I didn't realize there was a difference between hub & lug centric balancing methods. Does that mean that the ideal balancing method to ask for is a hub centric road force balance (if such a thing exists)? If not then what would be the most effective for reducing vibrations at high speeds? I am experiencing a little bit as well
 
Yes....I would always ask for a hub centric balance just to make sure they completely understand. If lug centric was used on a hub centric vehicle or vice versa, you will never have a smooth ride.
 
I had this issue after new tires. The inside of the rim was slick w/ old grease/debris and the stick on weights fell off. I removed and cleaned the rims and had the wheels rebalanced. All is good now.
 
WarWagon said:
Yes....I would always ask for a hub centric balance just to make sure they completely understand. If lug centric was used on a hub centric vehicle or vice versa, you will never have a smooth ride.
Click to expand...

So the LC is a hub centric vehicle correct?

Link with pictures, had to look up what you meant. :)
 
Get force balancing done on them wheels & tires. This will eliminate any shakes granted that your wheel is not bent. I had the same issue on both my cruisers and force balancing took care of that issue
 
Last edited:
Check your rack and rack bushings.
Big heavy force vs stock Michelins...
 
brianrride said:
Same thing here...I just bought the exact same tires, thought it was good until I hit highway speeds. Shook like crazy man...steering wheel and seats and console. Something about Toyotas, they are very difficult to balance, my Tacoma was a nightmare.

I'm taking mine back tomorrow to Tire Discounters for a second attempt. Good luck to you sir...
Click to expand...

FYI...got it back from Tire Discounters and drove about 60 miles on the interstate. Smooth as butter, at least up to 80mph.

They told me road force would be next if this didn't resolve the issue. Not sure why they didn't get it right the first time, but in the end they corrected it and I'm happy.
 
Interesting. I didn't know this.
IH8MUD is awesome, I learn new things everyday.

A.J
 
Mine didn't shake during the test drive but I got it in a small town in Idaho with only a 65 MPH highway for miles. When I brought it home on the freeway between 75-80, the steering wheel shook like crazy. I took it into a tire store yesterday and they said all 4 tires (probably under 5000 miles) were out of balance. They did it for me for free and it is just smooth now. I hope this doesn't violate any forum rules but I would like to give a quick shout out to Les Schwab in Murray, UT for the service!
 
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