theWalkinator

96 Maxima, 180K miles. Few months ago I replaced inner/out tie rods on both side. The car now is vibrating when speed is above 60 miles on front driver side, and also vibration when breaking. I jacked up the car, took off wheel, trying to find out what is the problem, cannot detect obvious problem, ball joints seem to be fine, control arm bushing seems to be fine. What could be the problem?

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Vibration when braking = Pad Material Transfer on the rotors, otherwise called warped rotors.

Vibration at 60 with a solid front end will most likely be a wheel balance issue.

theWalkinator

Thanks, this developed right after I replaced the inner/outer tie rods ( and after wheel alignment), I thought it was a bad tire on the front driver side since it was worn out on outer edge anyway, so later I replaced it with a used tire to get inspection passed, but the car is still vibrating on braking and above 60 miles.

I just took out the outer tie rod, took the boot off from inner tie rod, both seems to be fine. When I replaced the inner tie rod, the eBay part I ordered did not come with the locking plate (locking washer, or whatever it is called) so I reused the old one, I was worried about inner tie rod did not get locked properly and might get loose over the time, but it seems fine. The car does pull left a little.

Since I already took off outer tie rods, should I just go ahead replace both inner and outer tie rods anyway though both seem to be fine. Advanced Auto has the parts with 20% off online coupon and pick up at store, so the it comes out about $35 for both inner/outer tie rods. I also checked the rotor, no observable uneven wear.

I am going to pick up a set of used OEM 15" alloy wheels (with tires) this weekend so I won't worry about the wheel balance on current 15" steel wheels, will do that on ally wheels.

theWalkinator

OK, I did not replace tie rod again, they are good, no play so I put it back. However, I did replace sway bar links on both side, the ball joints are shot. I also replaced rotors on both side. Rotate the tires too and find one tire has a nail on it! Anyway, put everything back, give a test drive in local road, speed up 50s and gave it a hard break, no vibration anymore, so it is the rotor. Tomorrow I will take it to high way to see if vibrating over 60 miles is fixed or not.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

Keep us posted