Vibration above 80mph

[JeremyR]

Originally Posted by D-rek07

Hypothesis: I don't think its the wheels, given the above conditions. Would the wider wheels and tires amplify an issue with alignment? Since the stock wheels showed no vibration, maybe the alignment isn't that bad but with the wider wheels and tires maybe I'm able to observe it better?

What alignment specs are you running? The alignment shouldn't cause a vibration unless the specs were way off, but you ruled that out with testing your stock wheels. Wheel/tire size shouldn't matter, I run an 18x9.5 with a 265/35/18 and have zero issues.

I would have the shop who balanced your wheels, rebalance them. Also, ask when was the last time the balance machine was calibrated. If they don't know or it wasn't recent, then get them balanced somewhere else.

I'm assuming you hand tightened the lugs in a star pattern and then torqued them to spec as well. It hasn't been mentioned yet, which lug nuts are you using? Gram Lights (and most other aftermarket wheels) need a 60 degree tapered lug nut (most aftermarket lug nut kits are).

[Grady]

Originally Posted by D-rek07

Wheels are Gramlights, tires are Michelin PSS, hubcentric rings are Muteki. Muteki is the only brand I don't know. Gramlights aren't an OEM supplier but definitely a top tier manufacturer. This also has started recently and haven't smacked the wheels at all to throw them out of shape.

Even good manufactures have quality issues. Appears to be a wheel, tire issue. Out of round or balance or bent. You could start by only replacing 2 tires with the new ones then narrow it down to different tires on the front. I would not run different tires on the back.

[norcalpb]

This is why every time I rotate my tires, I get the new fronts balanced as well.

Being RWD, sometimes the rear tires can spin relative to the rear wheels and throw the whole thing out of balance.

[D-rek07]

I had the wheels rebalanced at American Tire depot. I don't think its a balancing issue bc when I rotated the aftermarket wheels the vibration did not transition to the steering wheel. Doesn't vibration through the steering wheel either mean bad front wheel bearings or wheels out of balance?

[D-rek07]

Originally Posted by JeremyR

What alignment specs are you running? The alignment shouldn't cause a vibration unless the specs were way off, but you ruled that out with testing your stock wheels. Wheel/tire size shouldn't matter, I run an 18x9.5 with a 265/35/18 and have zero issues.

I would have the shop who balanced your wheels, rebalance them. Also, ask when was the last time the balance machine was calibrated. If they don't know or it wasn't recent, then get them balanced somewhere else.

I'm assuming you hand tightened the lugs in a star pattern and then torqued them to spec as well. It hasn't been mentioned yet, which lug nuts are you using? Gram Lights (and most other aftermarket wheels) need a 60 degree tapered lug nut (most aftermarket lug nut kits are).

I haven't done an alignment since I've owned the car (2 years).

The wheels were balanced at American Tire Depot. I originally got them installed at Costco but then rebalanced at American Tire Depot. I have Project MU lug nuts. They are tapered 60 degrees.

[JeremyR]

Originally Posted by D-rek07

I haven't done an alignment since I've owned the car (2 years).

The wheels were balanced at American Tire Depot. I originally got them installed at Costco but then rebalanced at American Tire Depot. I have Project MU lug nuts. They are tapered 60 degrees.

If you haven't done an alignment in two years, and you've been tracking it, the tires could be wearing uneven, causing the vibrations.


I would get one done, and if that doesn't solve the issue, replace the tires.


I still think you should try without the hubcentric rings, but not aligning a car for two years is probably the culprit.

Originally Posted by D-rek07

Doesn't vibration through the steering wheel either mean bad front wheel bearings or wheels out of balance?

Typically yes, but for your mileage, it seems low for a wheel bearing issue.