Would incorrect tracking cause steering wheel vibration ?

Hi,

I get a noticeable vibration in my steering wheel between the speeds of
65mph and 70mph - it disappears at any speed above and below that.

I have had the wheels balanced, so that can be ruled out, and none of them
are buckled. I have also checked the brakes in case I had a sticking
calliper - but all seems well there too. Suspension also appears fine, and
there are no apparent loose or worn steering joints or arms. Oh yes, wheel
bearings seem fine too.

I haven't yet had the tracking done on the car, and wondered if that could
cause such a vibration?

Any comments or suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Gary

 

Gary,
Vibrations such as you describe are caused by some part not turning or
rotating within its intended plane of rotation (that is - it is out of
balance). You said that your tires were balanced. Were they rotated at the
same time and were the wheels and tires checked for an "out of round"
condition during the balancing process. An out of round tire or wheel can
cause the very condition you describe. If the tires were not rotated, try
rotating front to rear and vice-versa (obviously). Then test drive to see if
the condition has changed. Any change would indicate that one of the
tire/wheel combinations was at fault. Back to the tire shop, put
tires/wheels on a dynamic balancer and check for roundness and/or wobble. If
you eliminate the tires, then the suspension is the next to check. Inner
tie-rod ends are hard to diagnose but can also cause such a problem. A good
front end shakedown prior to alignment (4wheel) might solve the problem. If
you can definitely eliminate suspension components, then the propeller
shafts (sorry) drive axles and cv joints should be checked. That's just
about the whole ball of wax. Within those components should be the
culprit... Good luck.

Dave D