Severe Steering Wheel Vibration

Sicilian504 · October 14, 2012

Hi everyone, I'm freshly new to the owners club so I'm sorry if this has been covered. I tried searching but didn't see anything similar. Anyway, I'm having an issue with my 2004 ES330. When I go 60 mph+ the steering wheel shakes VERY badly. I took it to have an alignment done about a year ago and the mechanic told me the bearing on the front right wheel was bad and showed me how it was possible to move it back and forth (towards and away from the vehicle) using his hand. The steering wheel used to only vibrate a little when I would go around 70mph, but lately it's doing it at just over 60 mph, it also does it badly when going that speed and turning the wheel like in a corner on the interstate. I looked up some videos on YouTube about how to detect a bad wheel bearing and most of them said to listen for a kind of "grumbling" noise, which my car does NOT do. Also when I turn the wheel or even start the car, there is a whirring noise under the hood like it's a belt or something. It makes the same noise louder when the wheel is turned. The steering is not aligned since to go in a straight line, the wheel must be turned decently to the left. I assume since the mechanic did show me how the wheel could be tilted that the bearing does need to be replaced, but I was wondering if it may be something different, or another problem completely and if this is something I can replace and fix myself. Any help and input would greatly be appreciated. Thanks!

gbhrps · October 14, 2012

Sicilian504,

Get that wheel bearing checked and replaced if its bad! You're flirting with disaster. If that wheel comes off at speed you may well be visiting a funeral home, yours, or the family that was killed in the car you hit.

Yes, a bad front wheel bearing can cause a vibration that you'll feel in the steering wheel, but so can an out of balance front tire, or a bad bearing or CV joint in a front axle shaft. A bad wheel bearing doesn't necessarily have to make noise, although they usually do. Get it checked soon! The longer you let it go, the more it'll cost to fix.

You don't need to go to a Lexus dealership, any good independent garage can do the work (Cheaper most likely) and they can use aftermarket parts (Cheaper again, most likely).

Yes these jobs are a DIYer. I've done several over the years on various vehicles I've owned. But I've got to wonder from the questions you are asking, whether you have the knowledge and tools to do the job competently. To find out, go on YouTube and search for vids on changing front wheel bearings. Doesn't matter what make of car, as they are all pretty much the same. After watching 2 or 3 you'll know whether you feel confident enough to tackle the job safely yourself.Good Luck!

landar · October 17, 2012

From your explanation, it made me think of inner/outer tie rods. But you should get the car to a good, reputable alignment shop and let them assess the condition of the front-end components. Most of them will do the inspection for free and if not, it would be worth the small cost for a professional evaluation. You may have several different issues going on here in regards to the noise.

MACHINEMD · November 17, 2012

I 2nd the previous 2 posts....get it checked by reputable front end shop asap....while you can! Who does your town use for their police/fire vehicles?

chococat · December 1, 2012

I was always under the assumption that bearings, as well as boots, and such, were not parts to sit on and wait to replace. I am surprised you have made it a year and hope more damage wasn't done. And I agree with others... I would take it to a trusted mechanic and replace what they tell you to replace and do it ASAP.

Had a friend who neglacted replacing boots, bearings got road garbage in them, she kept dirivng it, and bam, one day the wheel just fell off. Thankfully she was going 5 mph. But imagine that at 70mph! :blink: