Steering wheel vibrations > 110kmph, ?alignment problem?

[royaljelly]

After driving through a few snow ploughs last winter, my '01 RAV4 has a very minimal shake/vibration to the steering wheel whenever I'm driving >110kmph. Is this a wheel alignment problem or something more significant?

I usually do most of my repairs at at Toyota dealer (even though there no more warranty on it), but if it's an alignment problem, can anyone do the repairs for cheaper?

[mikeycanuk]

Not alignment. Your tire is out of balance, rim is bent, or the ply in the tire has shifted. I'd stay away from the dealer as they like to charge $95 just to look at your car. Any tire guy will fix your problem. If your rim is bent get a used one at a scrap yard.

[jed]

Could also have bent some steering parts - definitely have it checked by someone you trust.

[mystery]

It most likely is a wheel balance problem. Perhaps some of the balance weights came off your wheels.

I would recommend to have your wheels balanced first, as it is a cheap thing to do, and should be ruled out before considering other problems.

Wal-mart charges $11.50 per wheel balance, so you're looking at < $50.00.

[TenzoR]

+1 Sounds like wheel balancing issue.

[ells]

After driving through a few snow ploughs last winter

You mean you hit the actual plough (plow)? Or do you mean "drift"?

It could also be wear in your rack and pinion steering which is related to your alignment.

My truck vibrates at 110 but not 120.

[new_vr]

Also could be ice/mud stuck on your rim.

[Mayoo]

All in all .. DONT go to dealer for this .. u can go to local trustable mechanic shop .. i would recommend chi's store if ur in markam/scar are ..

[rfdrfd]

This happened to me once, and exactly like yours, after I drove through deep snow.

My dealership told me first, go through a car wash that washes your wheels/rims. Or better yet, go to coin wash and blast your wheels (very) clean. Like others say, its something that is throwing it off balance.

And that vibration only occurs at higher speeds (hwy like you said).

If after washing it well does not work, then you need to bring into a shop to re-balance them.

[mikeycanuk]

You guys need to get glasses

After driving through a few snow ploughs last winter

.