Car wobbles after changing to summer setup.

P

puckmugger

New member
So I had my tires swapped yesterday afternoon for my summer setup. My tires were already mounted on my summer rims, but now that I'm driving, I can feel it wobbling, feels like it's coming from the front right. I checked the tire pressure just to rule it out, and I still feel it. I had these tires on last summer and never had a problem, and my tires are fairly new, I'd say 80% tread left (Marangoni's).

Is it possible they need to be balanced? Should I consider an alignment? I'm just trying to rule out any problems before spending more if it's something really problematic.
 
So I had them balanced, and now I seem to be getting a wobble at higher speeds, around 70-80km. Now I'm questioning wether it has something to do with my winter setup. This winter, I decided to run a 16 inch setup since the Montreal roads were so bad. This was the first time I've done this.... could this have created the issue? I'd just like to rule anything out before I go ahead and get an alignment done.
 
I'm ruling out my rotors, since I don't seem to have any issues when braking, but on a straight line I can feel my body shifting left to right and back.
 
check if your tires are rotating in the good direction.
Not calling you stupid but I did the mistake first time in 8 years this year, and my car was wobbling when I put on my perfectly balanced winters the wrong way.
 
again do you need centering rings? if you mags dont have the same center bore diameter this can cause an issue since even if all the bolts are on tight the wheel can be ever so slightly off center and cause this issue..

another thing could simply be tire deformation. if you stored the tires standing they might of got flat spots..i doubt this but can be a possibility. i suggest you bring your car to a good tire shop where they can do a road force test on your tires/mags
 
These were the same set I used last summer, so I don't see any reason why the centering rings would be an issue... However, this is the first time I left the wheels on the tires when I stored them, and yes, I did store them in my garage in the standing position. I had them balanced at Canadian Tire, and when he was doing so, he didn't seem to find flat spots, but then again, he may not have been looking for that. If I go back there, do you think this would be done free of charge?
 
canadian tire has for the most part terrible equipment. and i really doubt he would have seen a flat spot by eye if he was even looking. i dont think having a blown shock would cause this sensation you have in the car. i think its the tires that are out of round. and as much as that might sound weird it happens a lot.

to correct this the tires have to have a road force test done. this can only be done on a tire balancing machine which is road force capable. then they check the out of round of the mag. then the machine will tell you if they can be matched to fix the issue and the tires have to be rotated on the mag as the machine says.
 
Actually, the CT on St. Jacques is probably one of the better shops when you compare them all, that much I can vouch for. I'm headed back there this afternoon so hopefully they can figure it out, I let them know that I'd like them to check the wheels and sure they aren't bent, and at the same time check for any movement in the front to rule out tie rods, bearings or CV.
 
They probably haven't been rotated on a while and have worn out. Even if u balance them or rotate them now, it'll be way too uneven unfortunately.
Same thing happened to my buddy who didnt have his tires rotated at all.
 
- check if minor flat surfaces
- check if your brake pads stick to your rotors ( might have to refresh them or lubricate the springs)
- check if your top plates are fine ( cracked or need replacement or worn out, do they make swick-swick noizes?)
- allignment


also, you can verify if you cv boot is ok, no openings , etc
 
I've decided to actually replace my shocks/springs, control arm bushings, tie rods, and new front wheel bearings and rotors. I'm gonna DIY it since I'll save almost $1000 in labor costs. I've got friends who have all the essential tools I need, and I think it'll also be a great learning experience.

I have this feeling that my CA bushings are whats causing the wobble, so I've been driving very carefully hoping to not mess up my tires.

There are some great DIY's online, and from the looks of it, the rears should be a breeze, but the fronts will be more technical.
 
Are you winters on a seperate set of wheels? If so you should try putting those back on to see if the problem is resolved.

Chances are you've got a flat spot or bubble in the thread section. My colleague had that, side to side motion, and his tyres were toast with bubbles, it was nauseating.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top