Hey all, another case of steering wheel vibration. '89 CRX DX.

When I get up to highway speeds (55+ MPH), the steering wheel shakes back and forth...but only when I let off the gas? If I hit the gas, the vibration stops, and then comes back when I let off the pedal. It speeds up with the car as well.

I've heard of it happening when you brake, but not when you let off the gas. This problem sprung up after a wheel stud broke during driving and ruined all the studs and old rim. I replaced those studs, lug nuts, and got a new rim. I also just replaced the brake pads as well.

Any ideas?

 

Have the tires been balanced?

 

Yes, tires were balanced.

 

Source of vibration for me was the inner tie-rod. Basically, the wheel would start to shake side-to-side during braking or deceleration. It would only happen in a certain speed range, probably due to harmonics.

 

Inner or outer tie rod is a possibility. To test this jack up the front of the car and see if there is any play from side to side, it's easiest with a friend to shake the wheel while you watch underneath to see what is loose.

 

I jacked the car up, noticed a lot of play in the front left wheel (which is where the stud broke off).

I can see the play in the outer tie rod, so I'm guessing that's my culprit. Even had someone move the tire with the play while I held the steering wheel...totally what I felt on the highway. Lol. All the vibration from the broken wheel stud must've messed it up. I'll replace it and see how it pans out. Thanks guys!

 

Highly recommended that you Replace tie rods on both sides of the car rather than just the one culprit.

 

Will do. Price is right, anyway. Might as well do stuff the right way. Lol. Thanks!

 

Glad you found it

 

Good to hear! Let us know how it turns out.

 

So I'm at my wits end here...

After this post, the vibration got much worse. I did all new brake rotors, and some of it went away. I noticed play in the upper ball joints while I was replacing the clutch (it vibrated the same before I replaced the clutch), so I did new upper control arms.

There is also a sound that sounds like it's coming from the rear left?

I can't make heads or tails of it..

Here's the list

New Tie Rod ends.
New UCAs
New Brake Rotors

Not sure what this could be, but I'm going to get it realigned. In the meantime, any other ideas?

 

rack end bushing and pinion adjustment.

if the steering wheel is shaking, think of the whole path from the steering wheel to the tires.

check every component along the way.

 

Lift the car and grab one of the front wheels at 3 and 9 ( as in the face of a clock). Rock it left to right...does it move or feel lose? Now grab the wheel at 12 and 6. Rock it top to bottom...does it move? Do that on both front wheels.

Let us know what you find.