Steering wheel shimmy/vibration CW/CCW

[wewannaporsche]

Hi All,

I am getting a vibration in the steering wheel that goes right to left or CW/CCW. It starts off as a kind of a nervous feeling in the wheel at lower speeds <55. As I accelerate it becomes more pronounced and annoying at 65-80. Going around a gentle curve on the highway reduces the vibration.

I attributed it to my old tires which were Michelin PS/2 and I have since had these replaced and the vibration has been reduced but it is still there.

The details:

2002 986s 49,000 miles - stock suspension, stock 17" wheels

This week I had the following work done at an independent Porsche shop:

• Replaced all tires with Bridgestone PP Potenza RE050A
  
• alignment
  

I took the car back to the shop and went on a test drive with the tech. He confirmed the vibration and had the front tires re-balanced. The vibration is still there.

The shop said that the next steps are to look at other suspension components and I am wondering if this is going to turn into a situation where parts are replaced until it goes away.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Tomikaze]

Bent wheel is where I would check next.

Hi All,

I am getting a vibration in the steering wheel that goes right to left or CW/CCW. It starts off as a kind of a nervous feeling in the wheel at lower speeds <55. As I accelerate it becomes more pronounced and annoying at 65-80. Going around a gentle curve on the highway reduces the vibration.

I attributed it to my old tires which were Michelin PS/2 and I have since had these replaced and the vibration has been reduced but it is still there.

The details:

2002 986s 49,000 miles - stock suspension, stock 17" wheels

This week I had the following work done at an independent Porsche shop:

• Replaced all tires with Bridgestone PP Potenza RE050A
  
• alignment
  

I took the car back to the shop and went on a test drive with the tech. He confirmed the vibration and had the front tires re-balanced. The vibration is still there.

The shop said that the next steps are to look at other suspension components and I am wondering if this is going to turn into a situation where parts are replaced until it goes away.

Any help would be appreciated.

[wewannaporsche]

Thanks for the response....

They tell me that the wheels are not bent. I assume that they can detect a bent wheel by balancing the tires.

[Topless]

"They tell me that the wheels are not bent. I assume that they can detect a bent wheel by balancing the tires."

They should see them while balancing. I have two bent wheels in my garage. They will balance fine but still clearly bent. Worn front end bushings, worn wheel bearings. Anything I missed??

Edited March 24, 2009 by Topless

[dynodon]

Just went through something similar with my 2000 S. Had older continental tires with about 1/2 tread left. Had LOUD noise all around me and some vibration. At recommendation of former owner and a good local shop, put on new Yokohama S Drive tires and now the noise is still there and there is a very noticable shimmy like described here starting about 60 and going to at least 80 without getting better.

When balancing, owner of shop said rims were perfect, tires were also round and straight and took very little weight. Balanced on a top quality machine.

help!

Don

"They tell me that the wheels are not bent. I assume that they can detect a bent wheel by balancing the tires."

They should see them while balancing. I have two bent wheels in my garage. They will balance fine but still clearly bent. Worn front end bushings, worn wheel bearings. Anything I missed??

[Halo]

I had a similar issue with my 99 boxster. On the street everything was fine but on the freeway is when the shakes started.

Put on new tires (Yoko S drives) same issue.

It wasn't until I took it to my Indy shop (they are awesome), they had it re-balanced (3 plane). Now the problem is solved.

They told me that most wheel balance machines can do different levels good, better and best being 3 planes.

It may cost you a little more, don't settle for anything less.

Kind regards,

Halo