A question about wheel/tire balancing

[Shel_B]

Driving at 60-70 mph my 2011 Camry is smooth as silk. When speeds are around 80 mph I notice a very subtle vibration. The vibration increases as speed increases, and by 90 - 100 mph the vibration is quite strong, so much so that I'll slow down because of it.

My question is this: Is this a tire/wheel balance problem and if so, how might it be corrected? Any particular balancing techniques to consider?

If not a tire/wheel balancing problem, what might be causing the vibration? I understand that it's hard to diagnose something like this in a forum post, but if you've had a similar experience, what was the cause? And good guesses are welcome, too.

Also, are brake rotors balanced when new? Does their balance change with wear or when the rotors are turned?

 

[JohnnyG]

That's a pretty high speed to have a tire balance issue. Most of the time tire issues show up about 68 - 72 mph. I don't think rotor balance would cause this issue either. I'm not completely ruling out tires, one could be defective. I've seen tread separation start at about 80 mph, for example.
If there's a lot of miles on the car, I would suspect drive axles being out of balance. Or drive shaft if it's rear wheel drive, but I don't know how these are made.

 

[GSCJR]

I don't think rotor balance would cause this issue either. I'm not completely ruling out tires, one could be defective. If there's a lot of miles on the car, I would suspect drive axles being out of balance.

+1 for driveline issue, including trans shudder on these. Do not to exceed 80mph and think of all the positives by doing so.

 

[supton]

I'm thinking tire is off somehow. IIRC I had the same problem and found a flat spot. But I recall another time I found some bad bushings in the lower control arm. I'd check both, although at this age struts may no longer be "new", can't remember how many miles you have, my 2011's struts seemed fine at 230k but most would condemn them just by age.

 

[oil pan 4]

I have had tires that were unevenly worn by worn out shocks. The fix was new shocks and new tires.

 

[LDB]

I suspect we aren't allowed to comment on speeding like that on public roads. Too bad.

 

[Shel_B]

+1 for driveline issue, including trans shudder on these. Do not to exceed 80mph and think of all the positives by doing so.

Ahh ... this is something into which I was planning to look, although not specifically for the vibration at speed. Since I'm rarely making long, higher speed trips these days, I decided to hold off on spending the $$ until absolutely necessary. Perhaps I'll look into it sooner rather than later. Thanks!

 

[dogememe]

I suspect we aren't allowed to comment on speeding like that on public roads. Too bad.

I think the more important thing is figuring out what is wrong with the car. We do not have context. Maybe they own an airport and like to drive fast on the runways. Haha.

 

[Shel_B]

I'm thinking tire is off somehow. IIRC I had the same problem and found a flat spot. But I recall another time I found some bad bushings in the lower control arm. I'd check both, although at this age struts may no longer be "new", can't remember how many miles you have, my 2011's struts seemed fine at 230k but most would condemn them just by age.

The suspension is fine. It's checked frequently. Struts were replaced about 2 years ago, and they, too, are checked frequently. About every 8-9 months the car goes on a lift and the undercarriage is inspected for wear, rust, leaks, etc. The Camry has recently clicked over to 97,000miles.

 

[Shel_B]

I think the more important thing is figuring out what is wrong with the car. We do not have context. Maybe they own an airport and like to drive fast on the runways. Haha.

Quite a few states have 80mph speed limits, and traffic frequently flows faster in those states on the various Interstate Highways. I've recently travelled through states with an 80mph limit, such as Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wyoming and lots of folks were passing me even when I was doing 80mph.

I generally drive at a more sedate pace, but I do like to open it up every now and then.

 

[We're Metals]

You should not be traveling that fast

 

[CapriRacer]

Driving at 60-70 mph my 2011 Camry is smooth as silk. When speeds are around 80 mph I notice a very subtle vibration. The vibration increases as speed increases, and by 90 - 100 mph the vibration is quite strong, so much so that I'll slow down because of it.

My question is this: Is this a tire/wheel balance problem and if so, how might it be corrected? Any particular balancing techniques to consider?

If not a tire/wheel balancing problem, what might be causing the vibration? I understand that it's hard to diagnose something like this in a forum post, but if you've had a similar experience, what was the cause? And good guesses are welcome, too.

Also, are brake rotors balanced when new? Does their balance change with wear or when the rotors are turned?

First determine if it is tires/wheels. Is the vibration in the steering wheel (front) or in the seat (rear)? Swap tires front to rear. Did the vibration move? If yes, then try rebalancing or better yet, road force the tires. If not, then it's somewhere in the car and you'll have to do more diagnostics to figure it out.

 

[Shel_B]

First determine if it is tires/wheels. Is the vibration in the steering wheel (front) or in the seat (rear)? Swap tires front to rear. Did the vibration move? If yes, then try rebalancing or better yet, road force the tires. If not, then it's somewhere in the car and you'll have to do more diagnostics to figure it out.

I made an appointment to have the tires rotated, although I wont be able to get the work done until after the weekend. Thanks!

 

[SC Maintenance]

When my tires were out of round they didn't really start till about 65 and got progressively worse.

I would suggest a road force balance to check.

 

[Ranger83]

Nokian One on JDM forged BBS wheels. Very strong and weigh under 16 lbs. OEM cast wheels are 24.

 

[carviewsonic]

In my experience, chasing ‘light’ vibration which occurs at 70-75 mph+ is a waste of time and money. Tried it a few times with different older cars in the past.
I make sure all the basics are covered such as tire condition, balance at a reputable shop, good alignment, struts in good condition, and nothing obviously worn.
After that, I just let it be, and drive a tad slower below where any vibration starts. I’ve learned that ‘good enough’ is a valid point of view sometimes with older cars.

 

[tcp71]

You should not be traveling that fast

Definitely should.

 

[eljefino]

I agree with the tire being out of round or having varying "hardness", both of which could be fixed with road force balancing, maybe.

Could also be a driveline thing, do you feel it at lower speeds going up a hill? Might be a motor mount that gets compressed when you're really on the go pedal.

 

[Chris142]

Quite a few states have 80mph speed limits, and traffic frequently flows faster in those states on the various Interstate Highways. I've recently travelled through states with an 80mph limit, such as Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, and Wyoming and lots of folks were passing me even when I was doing 80mph.

I generally drive at a more sedate pace, but I do like to open it up every now and then.

I dunno where you are but here those speeds will get you a trip to jail,suspended licence and a fine in the thousands.

 

[vavavroom]

I dunno where you are but here those speeds will get you a trip to jail,suspended licence and

In California, going more than twice the speed limit or going over 100 mph will net you two points land you in jail. Below that it's fines and More than 4 points in one year, 6 points in two years, or 8 points in three years will result in your license being suspended or revoked.

Add reckless driving and similiar infractions to any speeding and you may have your license suspended or revoked.

a fine in the thousands.

That's inflated. Look up the actual fines. The increase in insurance cost is going to cost you likely much more than the fines. If you qualify for traffic school, your insurance won't find out about your speeding ticket.