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New Wheel Bearings?

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DesertSprite

Jedi Warrior
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When I hit about 4000rpms or somewhere around 70mph (my speedometer doesn't work) I get a really bad vibration coming up through the steering wheel. The wheel is literally shaking in my hands.

When the engine is just below 4000rpms there is a bit of a vibration but not that noticeable. As soon as I hit 4000rpms it shakes like it's having a fit.

Would this mean new wheel bearings? How do I know if that's what I need to do? Are replacing bearings a pain? Anyone I should order from? Anything I should check/replace while I'm in there?

Thanks again

Joel /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Maybe you should have front wheels balanced first.
 
I used to have the same thing happening and it turned out to be an out-of-balance driveshaft.

JACK
 
Wheel weights made by the ton, any tire place will do the job.
 
Yep, balance tire first.

And look at them while the car is jacked and wheel is off the ground to see if they have any bulges or flat spots (rotate the wheel).

While you have the wheel off the ground, if the wheel has "play" when you move it at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, it's generally tie rod ends, steering rack or wheel bearings.
If wheel has "play" at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock, it's generally king pins, lower trunions, A-arm bushings or wheel bearings.
Note that wheel bearings have "play" in all directions.

Then make sure you have fluid in the lever shocks.

Torque all lug nuts evenly (to about 45 ft lbs or so).


It's a good idea to look at wheel bearings on an older car anyway, but your problems don't sound like wheel bearings. Never hurts to re-pack the bearings with grease and re-torque the center nut. Don't forget to use a new cotter pin.
 
To add to the above, try shaking the wheel with the brakes applied also. You wont feel bad bearings with the brakes on. The other potential problems still show, though.
Peter C.
 
Several things could be a problem besides what is mentioned above. Have you passed a paving project. Your tires could pick some tar up and cause an imbalance. Might your front wheels have been installed with the lugs tightened in a circular manner, that can cause a shaking front end(it happened to me). The last thing, age of tires. We often don't drive our lbcs enough that tires are old before we wear them out. Slipped belts and weather checking that can cause a tire to fail are the most common problems. If you are going to look at the front end, New polyurethane bushings are a nice sat. morning project you won't regret. Good luck and let us know about the solution.
 
Hey guys thanks for all the replies. A lot of good info here. I'm going to print this out and take it with me under the car Friday after work and Saturday morning.

I'll let you guys know what I find.

Joel
 
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