I know its been mentioned a lot just wanted to get some confirmation. 2002 maxima GLE, steering wheel vibrates under hard acceleration no matter the speed, but only hard accel. I have all new rotors, new control arms, new shocks and struts, new poly motor mounts, and new tires with a balance. Would this be an axle issue? or could tie rods possibly cause this? thanks for the feedback in advance.

 

should have made it bit more clear in the op, but its more of a high-frequency vibration in the steering wheel, and you can kinda feel it in the accel pedal for some reason.

 

It could definitely be axles. In fact that's one of the first things I'd check for a vibration that's only under acceleration. I've seen this on several cars including my 02 Max.

 

torque steer?

 

 

Did you get axles without the vibration dampeners?

 

Haven't replaced axles, is there a good way to tell if they are bad? I know the boots are cracked and I'm lowered on tein h springs.

 

If the boots are torn and you're lowered that's how you know it's time. Not to mention th wobble...

 

It's hard to tell from an inspection while they're installed. It comes through as a feeling when you drive it. It's not something I can describe. When you pull them you'll see how sloppy they are though. Especially compared to the new ones.

You might be able to see or feel them by running the car in gear with the front end up. This is better and safer to do on a lift or at least four jackstands. DON'T do it on a jack. You might be able to see them moving in space like a jump rope instead of spinning perfectly still. I'll even put my hand on one as long as I'm aware of what direction it's spinning and I'm sure there are no sharp edges. This technique is entirely up to you depending on how comfortable you are with such things.

Tie rods might cause it but they usually cause vibration while breaking. If they're bad enough to cause vibration under acceleration then you should get it pretty bad while breaking.

 

My GXE has 166K+ miles. I've been driving on cracked boots for nearly 8000 miles. Can occasionally hear clicking sounds on acceleration or turns. No doubt axles should be replaced. What would be a reasonable price if taken into a shop/mechanic? Thanks.

 

Your axles could definitely be at fault. But it could also be your engine mounts (Guess how do I know?). I would inspect both.

 

Can't tell ya but anyone reading would have to ask if the wobble began after any of the adjustments you have listed? Did you make adjustments because of the wobble?

 

I see that you just had poly engine mounts installed, that would cause a high pitched vibration through the steering wheel most definitely.

 

Mine are dead smooth above idle.

 

It just kinda showed up one day, it didn't happen after anything was done. I took my car into discount tire to get the wheels rotated and balanced, they said I had a bent rim (doesn't surprise me with the crap roads around here). So for the time i had them rotate it to the back, and it helped a little bit, but didn't fix it.

 

I inspected the mounts, all four are within 5 months new, and in great shape from what I can see, very minimal vibration at idle, and at cruising speeds its smooth as ever.

 

Vibration only under load is very indicative of CVs. If it disappears as soon as you let off the gas, then bob's your uncle. Arms should be the only other thing that can cause similar symptoms, but they would need to be ****ed.

 

Yeah I'm almost positive its my CV's, I have almost brand new control arms.

 

Yea man it sounds like the axles... I had the same problem once I changed them it was smooth like butter. In addition I have BC coilovers.