Expert: Sean Halliday - 10/6/2009

Question
My 99 Corolla has a vibration similar to an unbalanced tire at 59mph up to 74.  Last year I replaced the sway bar bushings,because they were worn out.  Also got two front tires and then a wheel alignment that the tire dealer said was needed.  The car was fine for over 6 months.  Then my wife, the main driver said it was getting this vibration occasionally.  It took over two months for me to feel it.  Now it's very evident, so seeing nothing unusual, I had the front tires rebalanced.  Now it pulls somewhat to the left and still vibrates at about 2 mph higher than before.  I tried to check the ball joints, but can't figure how to do it.  Rocking the tire, while jacked up shows nothing, unless I should put a block under the A frame area.  I remember some of the procedure from cars in the 50s when I was the kid who had very little money for repairs. I will be glad for any ideas on the vibration problem.  There is no unusual tire wear or any other steering or ride problems except the slight pull to the left now, after todays balance job, which, by the way netted me two stripped lugs bolts that I didn't have before.  (must have been a new guy).

Answer
Possible causes of wheel wobble are bearings,inner tie rods worn,struts,tires,outer tie rods worn.To check the wear,jack up the wheel and hold the top of the tire if there is movement top and bottm it is the bearing,side movement is tie rods.Ball joints will not cause wheel wobble.They would give you a thump noise if you go over bumps or potholes.99% of the wobble is bad tires rear and front.Check rear tires and struts.