Vibration in steering wheel @ only 200 miles...help!

[maxpaulimus]

I just purchased my 03' V8 Sport 4X4 yesterday and have almost 200 miles on the vehicle now. I have been noticing a vibration in the steering wheel after I reach approx. 60mph. This vibration does NOT happen all the time, but occassionally and is very noticeable. Again, the vehicle is smooth as silk until I reach reach 60-70mph and was wondering if anyone has experienced this vibration? It doesnt happen all the time, but when it does, it definately is noticeable...and, on a 34,000 suv, I dont think its natural. I wonder if the tires arent balanced correctly (if they werent, would they cause the vibration even at low speeds)? Or, could some part of the drivetrain be bent from having the vehicle strapped down while in transit to the dealership?---I see the tractor trailors with the chains rapped around the frame of the vehicles on the interstate. I realize that my model is the sport with all-terrain tires and maybe thats the way the toy is supposed to ride. Any thoughts or suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Thanks everyone.

[RobXS]

Most likely it is a wheel balancing problem. That is usually the culprit when you get high speed steering wheel vibrations. It could be a wheel weight fell off or got knocked off during transit. The bad thing is now you have to go back to the dealer.

[maxpaulimus]

Rob, I checked my wheels and all of the wheel weights are on the outside and inside of each wheel and they all had 37psi in them. So, it doesnt appear to be a wheel weight problem. What do you think the right psi is for the dunlop grandtreks? Even if the wheel weights are all on, can it still mean that the wheels could be out of balance? Or, what else could it be? Thanks again for all of your help.

[RobXS]

I would still say that it is a balancing issue. The other possibility since you have the Dunlops is that it could be a tire problem. Either case it is a relatively minor problem. The challenge is going to be getting it corrected. Of course the dealer is responsible for fixing it, but you may find that dealerships are the best at resolving tire problems.

You may be better off going to a tire shop and paying them. I know it sounds extreme, but you can purchase a lifetime balance that will entitle you to free rotations and balancing for the life of your tires. If you plan on rotating your tires on a regular basis, it is not a bad option. You are probably looking at $35-40 for all 4. Divide that over 7 or 8 rotations and you will easily recover the costs with the extra miles you get out of your tires.

[vanbo]

I have the same issue with my 2003 Tundra, with only 400 miles on it. I get a very slight vibration starting at about 70 mph. I'm guessing it's the BF Goodrich tires...

[Threxx]

You might want to check www.clublexus.com
There's plenty of guys over there complaining of vibration issues in the GX470, as well. Their descriptions are very similar to yours.