Vibration at speed- car issue or tire issue

[sfarris]

Mates,

I have a 2003 911, with under 19K miles, and less than two weeks left under warranty. At speed, between 70 and 90 lets say, the car has a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel, seat and the car generally. This is over roads that may not be smooth, but never gave me a bit of problem in my 00 boxster.

Should I go to the dealer for a check over, or to a good tire store for a front end alignment/balance? Hate to bother the dealer for non warranty stuff, especially with the one week wait time to get in!

Thanks in advance for you input!

[gandrade1]

Hi Spencer,

What you are feeling seems to be a balancing issue, since you don't seem to experience any abrupt swaying, which would signal an alignment problem. Balancing in a reputable Tire Shop should take care of it.

Best,

Gustavo

[seafeye]

Hi Spencer,

What you are feeling seems to be a balancing issue, since you don't seem to experience any abrupt swaying, which would signal an alignment problem. Balancing in a reputable Tire Shop should take care of it.

Best,

Gustavo

Or see if the dealership that you bought the car will sell you an extended warranty.

[sfarris]

Hi Spencer,

What you are feeling seems to be a balancing issue, since you don't seem to experience any abrupt swaying, which would signal an alignment problem. Balancing in a reputable Tire Shop should take care of it.

Best,

Gustavo

Or see if the dealership that you bought the car will sell you an extended warranty.

Bought it in Chicago, from an ebay sale. Love the car and the deal though.

[PeterC4]

Virbration like you described is almost always associated with tires in my experience. I had a 2000 C4 and I had to be very vigilant about getting it right. In the end I had an out-of-round tire in the rear and my tires had to be balanced at least twice. After 2 years of tire wear, I got new ones and the car ran well. Don't discount the fact that a tire may have inherent problems that causes vibration, regardless of how much money or time you spend on balancing. Good luck.

Edited August 23, 2007 by PeterC4