Vibration Fun
 

Oi vey all... for the past month or so, I've had vibration when cruising at highway speeds (50-65ish) ... the best way I can describe it is to say that it feels like one of those electric massage chairs. A very rapid tickeling that I feel through my seat back. I've had the wheels balanced, checked the alignment, its still there. I searched the archive, but there were so many possibilities presented that I dont really know where to start. Should I just take it to the dealer and say "Fix it" or is there something more specific I can look for?

Any input would be extremely helpful...
-Colin

Re: Vibration Fun
 

Colin, like you said, there were so many possibilities when you searched the archive, and, most of the people who posted those possibilities are the same ones posting here. I know that doesn't much consolation, but, it's hard to diagnose when you're actually involved -- much less when you're getting it second hand on the net. I know I had a similar vibration in my car and it turned out to be a slightly warped rim. Once I changed my original 92 rims to Leo's 94's, the vibration was gone. I had another vibration at lower speeds -- actually it was more of a shudder, which turned out to be the tranny (mismatch in gear ratios from the Legacy tranny to the SVX rear diff). Still others have had to replace axles before their vibration went away. I think you should take it to someone you trust and have it checked out. As many different diagnoses that we can give you, I can almost guarantee you, you won't be comfortable until you have it checked out for sure.

could even be tire tread.
 

i had a slight vibration with my nittos that disappeared when i put on the bridgestones. have your brake rotors checked and make sure your struts are in tight. beyond that i have no idea.

damaged belts?
 

No, not drive belts! Tire belts. A close friend of mine went up and over a curb a few days ago in his OBS (Outback Sport). Didnt think much of it, just knew a 4 wheel allignment was in his future. He has the same problem. There was NO outside visable marks, nor even a bulge, but he ruptured the steel or nylon belts inside the tire that help support the weight and hold its shape. He has vibration as well but its worse at 35-50 miles per hour. Because he was an AWD as well, he had to buy 4 new tires. He was pissed, and thought he was taken for a ride. The tire shop asked his permission to destroy the tire in question and show him. He more more than happy to see them look like fools. 10 minutes later they showed him the inside of the tire and you can see where the damage occoured. "Well all be damned!" Have you hit any curbs, or has anyone hit you?