Slight vibration in steering wheel
 

OK .. first ... I'm lazy so didn't use the search function ... plus I'm supposed to be working. .:bonk: I mostly notice this issue on the highway but it feels/sounds like the wheel is wobbling...I checked all the bolts. When I'm on a right handed curve the vibration/noise stops completely .... let go of the wheel and going straight vibration/noise starts again. a few weeks back I replaced the front rotors and brake pads.
To make matters worse, the vibration/noise is getting worse. Any suggestions!?!?

try rotation and balance.. should help.. or might be the wheel bearings..

my .02

I was thinking that maybe a wheel balance would help but didn't want to waste the money if I didn't have to.

Sounds like a wheel bearing seeing as how it doesn't make the when there is no load. A loose bearing could also cause you to notice vibration at higher speeds. Does it get louder on left hand curves? Mine was so bad on an older car I owed it sounded like a roller coaster under hard load...which was kinda kick ***.

On left handed curves, it pretty much sounds like it does when I'm in a straight line ... I'm going to get the wheels balanced after work today.

You should do a simple check to see if something is loose. Lift each wheel off the ground, together or seperate. While the wheel is off the ground hold at the left and right sides and see if it has give going left or right. If it does that means you may have a lose tie rod. Do the same thing but hold at top and bottom. If it moves you may have a lose ball joint. If the wheel is lose and has play while holding at both and/or any where it may be the wheel bearing.

I would say if it is loose at all bring it somewhere and have it checked.

@merovi .... I'll try that first! And see what I got! So, you don't think it's a wheel balance issue??

It very well could be, but an unbalanced wheel usually doesn't stop any kind of wobbling or vibration when turning, its pretty constant with speed. Wheel bearings DO usually change when turning, I can never remember which way though. If its wobbly get it checked, but the method I mentioned is a good guideline for the inexperienced.

edit** With wheel bearings you usually also get a noise, best described as a airplane propeller

Just finished checking the front tires and the passenger side has play from both ways ... Gonna take it and get it looked at now.


Editted: Just came back Firestone and they quoted me $569 for both to be replaced. $95 for each bearing and then the rest labor.
Should I do both? I just paid for my trip to Domincan Republic and I'd like to save some cash for that (If you know what I mean!!!! LOL)
Last question .. How do I know if I need an entire wheel assembly?

The wheel bearings on this car suck to replace. They are press in and press out. Unless you have the ability to do this yourself, you are going to be paying quite a bit for labor. You can try and get the whole assembly if you want but then you are paying more for parts and less for labor. I think I spent $100-$150 to get my one side done, but that pricing was employee discount and I threw the guy an extra few bucks for doing the labor. I can do most work but pressing bearings in and out wasn't something i was comfortable doing.

You don't NEED a wheel assembly unless you really messed something up. The assembly is just the center hub with a bearing all ready pressed in. It would make the job a lot more DIY though.