I've been having a vibration that can be felt throughout the car and esp the steering wheel. I've rotated/balanced the tires and even replaced the front struts as the boots were busted and they were more "bouncy" than usual. It happens at different speeds but mostly at my usual hwy speed of 70mph. I just noticed recently that when I turn the wheel sharp and back into my park at work, I hear some grinding that I'm sure is the CV joint on the driver side. Could that be causing the vibrations/shaking if that is worn?
Any other ideas that I could check into would be highly appreciated.

2001 Maxima SE

 

More than likely. I would check them and make sure the bolts are tight and there are no rips in the boots and that they are full of grease. Whats the condition of your tie rod ends?

 

Not sure. I plan on getting it on the lift soon so I can do a full underside inspection.

 

Loose tie rod or bad Axel (CV)

 

Did you also replace the strut mounts and bearings? That would cause the vibration as well if they are worn out...

 

I had a similar problem on a Hyundai Elontra GT. Never could quite figure out what it was.... Then I had my mechanic take off the front wheels to change my timing belt and it fixed the problem... NO I am NOT saying it is your timing belt. It was how he put the wheels back on he torqued the lugs down the right way every other on in a circle to the correct ft lbs... If that isn't done you can have the untraceable wobble!!!

 

If your is lowered alot it will cause that problem as well with the c.v. axles

 

have you gotten an alignment?

 

my car definitely shakes at 65 mph and only at 65 mph. but i need to completely rebuild my steering and suspension, so it may or may not be related to your issue

 

I'm going to check several things mentioned while I have it on the lift, but I think with the grinding noise it's definitely time for a cv axle replacement. I'll chime back in once that is complete to let everyone know if that was the issue.

I'm trying to band aid my baby so I can get about 3-4 more years out of her. I have 168K miles and want to get to around 220-240 before I spring for a new/newer car.

 

but i'm guessing your axles, inspect your axles and other front end components to see what's leaking grease...whatever you see leaking replace it...one at a time unless all the components have to be removed anyway, then replace them all

 

Would an alignment help with vibration?

 

just an FYI...on my slammed status. my car only started vibrating AFTER i got an alignment..IJS

 

lol fixed ^^^^

 

LULZ i'm as low if not lower than you w/o the lip...no lip for no lip...test my slammed LOL

 

hhhmmmmmmm im pretty low!!

 

yea thats with the lip...

 

When mine was like that is was a f33ked up Axle...

 

lol dont make me go lip-less.....

 

DU EETTTTTTTTTTT LOL

 

I did not replace the strut mounts and now I've begun to think that is the problem.
So far, I've replaced the struts (sans mounts), driver side axle (CV), and both front hub bearings. When I turn the wheel, there is a metal on metal grinding sound, even when the vehicle is not moving. I'm thinking there must be some sort of play in the strut mount causing the vibration and if it contains a bearing, that must be the grinding noise when the wheel is turned.

 

What was the reasoning behind that decision?

 

Jack the front end up, this will take the pressure off the wheels and strut mounts, then turn the wheel, if the noise is still there, it's unlikely the strut mounts.

Also, strut mounts don't squeel traditionally, they pop, snap, click, etc. Imagine a coil getting wound up then releasing, this is the type of noise you get with a bad bearing (mount)

 

bent rims?

 

Your Shakes/vibration could also be from bad tires, check for any cupping

 

No. vibrations are weight imbalances. Where would you see a possible weight imbalance with your wheels not pointed straight...... unless theyre not pointed straight because you bent something. :-)