I have an 02 TL-S with 100k. For the last 7k i have had a constant shake of the stearing wheel, it shimmy's back and forth about 1/2 inch when its at its worst. There is an acompanying rubbing sound as well. It is not rotors as I had them turned and the problem stayed the same. I am thinking its the Axle, but I am hearing it could be the bearings. Not having tons of cash to do both, any recomendations on which would lead to the problem?

Thanks

 

Have you had your tires balanced?

 

I had a rubbing/grinding sound that got louder from about 15-45 mph. It was the bearings. I had them replaced and it went completely away.

 

Could be just a wheel balance as stated before, the bearings being out would more or less make that "whinning" noise upon accelerating. Some what of a hitch pitch whine. I had that shimmy problem before but my tires were bad, I got them replaced and now everything is smooth.

 

why car makes kind of a high pitch when i accelerate, i always thought it was my motor and was normal, is something wrong?

 

I think it is the axle. If it was the bearing, you will feel the grinding movement and humming sound even when the wheel is not shaking.

 

oh damn.. i think my bearings are acting up as well... they seem to make noise the humming noise when i accel and decel at low speeds...

Can anyone can confirm my assumptions ?

 

New tires and have had them rebalanced twice (Friend works at the shop), The issue that i have is that it can be bad at 15 mph or 75 mph, it really doesn't change much. The dealer hear told me that Bearings would create a grinding noise, i have not had that. I think i am going to bite the bullet and get the axles replaced....we will see.

 

let us know how it goes and how much it cost ya.

thx

 

Really, the whining is from the bearings? My car sounds like one of those speeders in return of the jedi when I accelerate. The steering wheel has been vibrating despite new tires and a gazillion trips to the tire place to get them rebalanced. With 120k I figured it was time for new struts so I'm ordering them, but I'll order the bearings, too. Thanks.

 

K, so i feel a little stupid. My buddy works at Big O Tires and balanced my wheels twice, each time they were "balanced" After a trip to the dealer, they claimed they were like 60/70 grams out of balance, telling me that most tire shops only balance one side of the rims, not a left and right balance? Either way, they balanced them and ride is smooth again(30$). I still have a rubbin/whining noise, but its so subtle, the tech said not to worry.