Steering Wheel Vibration...

**gq9** · 04-11-2008 01:09 PM

among other bullshit. I'm starting to lose it with my car.

First off, I just put new wheels and tires on my car. I had the car aligned. That was a disaster. I was charged for a full alignment, but the rear left camber bolt was frozen. The rear left camber was not adjusted to spec. It is out. The front left camber would not come into spec, it is way out. I know you are asking yourself, how can they claim and charge me for an alignment being done. When it's impossible to do with those 2 things being the way they are. I really don't know.

My left front tire is also rubbing on the fender due to the camber.

NOW on top of everything. My steering wheel is beginning to visibly shake while I'm driving down the road. Also my car obviously doesn't go straight, it pulls off to a side.

At least I would like to ask what would cause the steering wheel vibration, I'm sure its going to be linked to the poor alignment. Let's see what you guys think.

**quickdub** · 04-11-2008 01:26 PM

front camber isn't THAT bad... but the rear is a lil aggresive. More Importantly Your Front Caster L/R is off by 2 degrees too...Which is causing the car to pull IMO. But Neither should give you vibrations, but what could be causing that is your tire rubbing. If the rubbing happened only half way around the tire, some tire mass was removed, possibly causing the imbalance condition. Take it back to your alignment shop, and ask them to fix that $H!T. The frozen bolt can be changed out for a new one for $9.95 from the dealer. Mine broke in the rear too.
Only way you can fix camber up front is to shift the subframe to even the caster & camber L/R. Not easy to dial in this way, so most shops don't bother. I would get your wheels balanced, fix the rubbing issue, and change the rear camber bolt that's broken, and you'll be a happy S$ Owner once again...
Your only other option is spend mad $$$ (like I did) and get Adjustable Control Arms... but if you're not low enough and don't track the car, somewhat unnecessary.
Good Luck
Pete

**gq9** · 04-11-2008 01:32 PM

I fucked my post sorry.

Let me explain the rubbing. I am rubbing when driving and going over a dip in the road, when my front end comes down, the left tire is rubbing. I do not rub with just regular driving and medium bumps, but with big dips in the road I do and you can hear it.

Get my wheels balanced? The tires came mounted and balanced on the rims, should I get in touch with the company and complain or what?

I have ordered the rear bolt from audi. I was told there is a locking washer that 1 moves with the other, so I had to order both because they work together. I went ahead and ordered both sides and washers, just in case.

The other thing. The alignment shop said they can order the bolt, and realign the car...half price of the alignment job. I know I'm going to lose my mind when I go back with the bolt and they try that, cause I almost wanted to slap someone when I heard the guy say that.

**quattrotman** · 04-11-2008 02:17 PM

VIbration comes from poor wheel balance. Maybe a few weights came off when they were working on the car. amybe they put the back wheels to the front and now you notice (you might not feel an out of balance wheel on the rear).