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Car wobbles over 10mph

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Old Nov 28, 2012 | 08:06 PM
  #1  
pkrainert's Avatar
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From: Suisun City, CA
Car wobbles over 10mph

2000 Maxima wobbles back and forth above 10mph. The whole car is shaking it doesn't feel like its just in the steering. About 6 months ago I replaced the A arms ( W/ new ball joints), tie rod ends and some bushings. I think its the bearings but I don't really feel any play when I jack the car up and pull on the tires. I do hear a bad bearing like sound but I am not sure if it is just the tires. It is my wifes car so I rarely drive it.

Last edited by pkrainert; Nov 28, 2012 at 08:16 PM.
Old Nov 28, 2012 | 08:23 PM
  #2  
foodmanry's Avatar
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Could be bearings, lower control arms, and/or axles.

When you say you pull on the tire, how exactly are you moving it? Typically moving it up and down should have no play and if it does then that means bad bearings. If you hold the tire and jerk it side to side and you have excessive play then that means you have bad lower control arm ball joint. You can also inspect these visually as well.

It seems to me you have bad bearings if there is a wobble. If you have a bad lower control arm, or arms, then you'll pull the car pull to one side or feel it lifting while accelerating.
Old Nov 28, 2012 | 08:26 PM
  #3  
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I've never been very good at troubleshooting suspension and alignment issues so I'll tell you what I do. I go to my tire shop and ask for a tire balance and full alignment (should be under $100) If there is something wrong with your car and they can't do the alignment they will tell you and offer to fix it. Tell them you'll take it to your mechanic and bring it back for the alignment. You won't be charged for the alignment at this point because they are unable to do it but you will get a nice list of everything that needs replaced. Go buy the parts and replace them then return for your alignment (pay for it this time). Then you're golden.

This is usually unnecessary when only one thing is wrong, but it sounds like you are having multiple issues. Those kind of things can be very difficult to nail down.
Old Nov 28, 2012 | 08:32 PM
  #4  
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I just had a full alignment 4 months ago, I think I will take it back to them and see what they say. I have already replaced the Control Arms right before I took it in for an alignment.
Old Nov 29, 2012 | 01:12 PM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by foodmanry
Could be bearings, lower control arms, and/or axles.

When you say you pull on the tire, how exactly are you moving it? Typically moving it up and down should have no play and if it does then that means bad bearings. If you hold the tire and jerk it side to side and you have excessive play then that means you have bad lower control arm ball joint. You can also inspect these visually as well.

It seems to me you have bad bearings if there is a wobble. If you have a bad lower control arm, or arms, then you'll pull the car pull to one side or feel it lifting while accelerating.
Play at 12 and 6 usually means ballpoint, and 3 and 9 usually means outer tie rod ends. Just get in there with a pry bar and ull find the play somewhere. Seems to me like if it was bearings, the noise would be obvious. Has it been worked on lately? Did this just start one day? Slowly build up?
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