AboutBarry Smith Expertise I have over 30 years experience in the design, manufacturing, and
testing of tires. I have served as the technical advisor to the "800"
number. I have authored or co-authored many publications - usually
without credit. I can answer almost any technical question, but
please don`t ask me to compare brands. I probably have prejudices because of
my work experience.
Experience Member SAE (Society of Automotive
Engineers)
Member Tire Society (Tire Technical Organization)
SCCA Regional Competiton License holder
Authored many training manuals on tires, their care and use.
Expert: Barry Smith Date: 7/3/2008 Subject: Steering wheel/vehicle vibration
Question Hello. My kid drove off the road and over a ditch in our 96 Chevy Corsica. The whole tire was wobbling took it in had to replace the tie rod on the front drivers side. Got it out of the shop today. At about 35mph the steering wheel starts vibrating very badly the windows rattle. You can also feel it in the seat. Could the tire be bad on the front driver side? It doesn’t really pull so I am thinking it is not an alignment issue.
Answer Nicole,
If the tire was woobling, it means it took quite a hit - and the safe thing to do is replace it.
But it is also possible the rim is bent. When you get the new tire, they will tell you if it is bent. But it would be best to ask - AFTER they mount the tire on the rim, but before they put everything on the balance machine. If you ask before, they might tell you it's bent just to sell you the rim.
