Shaking when driving?

Tiny
SUNEICHIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 SATURN VUE
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 233,000 MILES
Recently my car is really wobbly/shaky when driving the faster I go the worse it is. It feels like I'm driving on a bumpy road even though I'm not and it has even made my negative battery cable work itself loose and come off.
Thursday, June 29th, 2023 AT 4:56 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Hi,

First, that doesn't sound safe. Have you inspected the tires conditions? Is there any evidence of a shifted belt? Are the tires worn evenly? Have you checked for a bent rim or loose wheel?

Also, are there any sounds associated with the vibration? Do you feel the vibration more in the steering wheel or the seat and floor?

Please keep in mind, this could be a suspension issue, an axle CV joint issue, a steering component issue, and so on. The tires and wheels are the first things I would check.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, June 29th, 2023 AT 11:19 PM
Tiny
SUNEICHIN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It feels more like it's coming from the seat and floor than the steering wheel. There's a little wear on the front passenger tire that's uneven but nothing too bad.
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Saturday, July 1st, 2023 AT 12:40 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Hi,

If that is where you feel it coming from, chances are the issue is in the rear of the vehicle. Check the tires in the rear. Also, it could be a bent rim, but that will be hard to see without spinning the tires. Do you hear any noises from the rear such as a humming sound that could indicate a failed wheel bearing?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, July 1st, 2023 AT 6:51 PM
Tiny
SUNEICHIN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
No, I don't really hear any sounds and everything I feel seems like it comes from the front end of the car because it's like mostly under the gas/brake pedal area and sometimes when. Turning the wheel sharply it almost feels like a rubbing but no sounds.
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Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 AT 12:16 AM
Tiny
SUNEICHIN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My tires and rims all seem fine so I'm wondering if it's something else.
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Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 AT 12:16 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Hi,

The next thing could be either a faulty wheel bearing or CV axle. Take a look through this link and let me know if anything seems to mirror what you experience:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

Here is another link that explains more about a wheel bearing and how to check one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-axle-or-wheel-bearing

Let me know what you find or if you have questions.

Take care and Happy 4th!!!

Joe
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Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
SUNEICHIN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Also, when I first got the car about 6 months ago, I had to replace the front passenger side tie rod. Someone was telling me that some front wheel drive cars have 2 tie rods, an inner one and an outer one. I'm not sure if that's true but I know I only replaced one so could it be the other one if there is 2?
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Monday, July 3rd, 2023 AT 3:59 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Hi,

Actually, there are two on each side of the vehicle. Both sides have an inner and outer tie rod. The inner is connected directly to the rack and pinion. The outer one goes to the steering knuckle.

If you question a tie rod, safely lift one side of the vehicle's front end. Place your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock. Wiggle the wheel back and forth to check for play.

I attached a pic below so you can get a better understanding of an inner tie rod. The outer tie rod connects to it. Then the inner goes through the boot at the end of the rack and pinion and attaches inside the boot.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe

See pic below.
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Monday, July 3rd, 2023 AT 10:20 PM

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