Hands Going Numb from High Frequency Steering Wheel Vibration

[trevor51590]

Have any of you guys had an issue where your hands start to go numb from high frequency vibrations at speeds from maybe 40+? I'm thinking balance or alignment but the car is CPO and just had new tires/alignment before I got it. I had a B8 S4 before this and never had this issue.

I've had a bad balance before and it doesn't really feel like that, although maybe it's out just enough to cause this issue. That would lead me to alignment, but the car tracks straight and the steering wheel is dead on. I haven't noticed any feathering or uneven wear after about 4K miles. Checked the tread depth at various points on all the tires and they're all even. Only thing I could think here is something minute out of balance, or the tires setting into a harmonic with the alignment. I really don't remember it doing this when I test drove the car, but the new to me car effect may just be wearing off.

I know there is a known issue with these electronic steering racks, but is high frequency vibration a symptom? The nearest dealer is over an hour away so I want to make sure to check out what I can before making the trek.

Thanks!

[mintytoo]

Sounds like she needs a balance, but even with bad balancing tires, my hands have never give numb like that. The only time was when I was using the hammer drill for too long.

[Lockon_B7]

Sounds like it might need a road force balancing.

[MrFunk]

Engine mounts bad?

[jimrobbington]

Maybe you just have carpal tunnel?

[trevor51590]

Engine mounts bad?

Not going to rule it out, I haven't pulled out the belly pan to check for fluid. I do have the audible solenoid knock (I had it my by B8 as well) and I'm not sure if it's normal or not. There's no associated code though.

My hand's definitely feel like I got done using a power tool (although not to that extent, but its bad enough to notice it after I drive the car)

[jygesq]

Try Hunter 9700 road force balance before you try anything else.

[Audibot]

Check your wheels too--I had HORRIBLE vibrations around 40 mph, even after road-force balancing it several times over. Turns out that the wheel had a crack in it. So something to think about.

But... from the speeds, part of me is leaning towards engine mounts, as someone said above. A visual inspection won't cost you anything but a bit of time, so it's not a bad place to start (along with the inside of the wheels). My brother had a similar issue and his mounts were it.

[AKPS4]

Hands going numb is probably more of a health issue than the car. We've all had some vibrations at some point and you should never experience something like that. May want to get checked out.

[trevor51590]

Hands going numb is probably more of a health issue than the car. We've all had some vibrations at some point and you should never experience something like that. May want to get checked out.

I appreciate the concern. My hands aren't actually going numb, but it's the best way to describe the tuning fork sensation my steering wheel is putting out. I promise it's not a health related issue

I'm going to rotate the wheels today and see if it's tied to the ones on the front. If so - balance. If not, on to the engine mounts/rack

[AKPS4]

Engine mount leaks should be easy to see. You'll see brown/black staining all over. Someone posted a good photo of theirs.

How many miles? Maybe worn bushings causing some vibration.

Need tire rotation? My all seasons cause a little more vibration than my PSS tires. Don't know why but it just does. I rubber is certainly not as soft as the PSS and may be one of the causes.

Unfortunately these tiny vibrations are annoying and may never be found without having replaced lots of little things.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

[YetAnother20V]

Start with checking cold tire pressures and reset them in MMI. Both our S4 and Q7 go crazy with uneven tire pressures.

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[cspcrx]

Check the steering wheel position. Is it set to high, meaning are your hands above your shoulders while your driving. Could be impacting blood flow to your hands because they are elevated and that would feel like what your describing. Shacking would be visible in the steering wheel.

[Thurston]

Engine mounts bad?

I thought there was a cel to warn you when they go bad? Still blows my mind that the mounts upon which the engine sits are so poorly designed that they go capoot on these cars, never encountered that before w any vehicle in my life.