Hey team. Not a do-it-yourself guy, so I could really use your help. Love my '22 HighPo 4-cylinder, but there's a problem I can't get rid of.

I have a persistent (and, as you'll see, expensive) slight but noticeable pulsation/vibration from the steering wheel at 75+ mph. It is VERY weird. It seems to change depending on the road/temperature/conditions.

I thought it came on when I got new tires, but now I don't trust myself, given what I've been through:

* New Continental DWS06 tires installed and balanced, alignment done
* Re-balanced (same shop)
* Re-re-balanced (same shop)
* Balanced (different shop)
* Road force balanced ($300 [!], third shop)
* Bearing replaced ($600, original shop, which seemed crazy for a car with 20k miles, but Atlanta roads are trash), who then told me to get the...
* Wheels straightened ($700, but there was some ugly curb rash which was fixed, so at least that was worth it)
* Assumed by that time that I had a defective tire, so insisted the original shop replace the two front Contis

and, uh, still have this f***ing pulsation in the steering wheel

At this point, I am so frustrated. Things I'm considering, but don't know if they would address the problem:
* Could this be a messed up suspension piece? (see previous comment re: Atlanta roads). Wouldn't somebody already have noticed that?
* Could there have been a mistake in the original shop's alignment? Could that cause a steering wheel vibration?
* I did a lot of research in picking out these tires, but is the Continental somehow the wrong tire for this car and the highways I drive on? Should I spend more money on a set of Goodyears/Michelins/??

Again, this is a slight issue, but I absolutely notice it. Love this car, so I'm willing to spend more money, but don't want to waste it. Any help would be amazing.

H-E-L-P

 

Rabbi Mike, has anyone actually checked out if there are any issues wioth the components of the front suspension? Control arms, steering rack, etc? I see a lot of focus on wheels and tires (which would have been my initial take also), but then if that's all good, my next focus of attention would be everything else that connects to the tire/wheels.

 

Check The app in The Thread!

https://themustangsource.com/forums/...p-link-550939/

KC

 

just in case: when you got the new tires, did you also get new wheels? or did you put the new tires on the OEM wheels?

Asking because: some aftermarket wheels do not have the recess around the lugs, that provide clearance for the washer-clips that are used on the assembly line to hold the rotors on. Then the wheels sit up on top of those washers and can cause the wobble that you describe. If you do have aftermarket wheels, remove the washer clips from the studs. If you have the Ford OEM wheels, then this is not the issue.

 

I Learned About Tinnerman Clips Back in The Mag Wheel Days! Yep They Can Cause Issues!

On a Side Note 1960's Left Hand Thread Dodge Wheel Studs Were Always a Learned Experience!

Kc

 

Yeah, OEM wheels... what's weird is that three different shops haven't done this right.

(Then again, I haven't been impressed with the skills and work ethic of folks in Atlanta... there are lovely things about the town, but customer relations ain't one of them )

 

Might Go To a Cars & Coffee Meet & Ask Around For a User Friendly Capable Shop. Can't Beat Real Reviews! I Think So Many Online Reviews are Fake!

KC

 

So true. I had this issue with my very first aftermarket wheels....removed the darn washer-clip and problem solved.

 

that suggests it might not be a balance problem -- might be something in the steering rack, tie rods, ball joints, ... but if it is speed related, that suggests it is something that is rotating, which leads back to the balance so it's a stumper