Direction dependent vibration issue...
 

I have been having a weird vibration issues for the past few months. I can't tell if it has been getting worse. The vibration happens when traveling 50+mph in a straight line (highway driving). The vibration is more noticeable when turning the steering wheel left (vibration becomes severe and whole car rattles). However, turning the wheel right makes the vibration go away completely (incredibly smooth like how the car should drive).

I've had the alignment checked and it was ok. I've also visually inspected my suspension parts and cannot find anything broken or loose. There has never been any odd sounds (like metal clanking or grinding), only vibration.

I do have unequal tread in the rear tires, the right being 5/32 and the left 6/32. Could this tiny difference be causing the vibration? Or be damaging my LSD? Or any advice on what to try next?

Thanks,
FS

Maybe a bad tire or a wheel out of balance

Then why is the vibration direction dependent?

Rotating tires did not help. Any specific things to look for in the suspension/steering?

FS

So when you rotated the tires did the vibration move, if not maybe check wheel barings by jacking up and see if there is any play.

The vibration did not move at all. Still bad when at highway speeds turning slight left, and disappears when going right.

I jacked up the front end and checked the bearings--there is zero play and everything seems very tight. Every suspension component and tie rod looked fine--no obvious damage to bushings, etc.

I will check the rear Wednesday this week but this is so frustrating... :(

FS

Is there any way to check if my control arms are ok? Any tips on how to check the bushings?

FS

Have you found the solution to your problems yet????

Nope. Haven't had time to look under car again. Any suggestions?

FS

Today I decided to swap the R side tires to the L side, thinking this would make the vibration direction opposite if the issue was with the tires. No go... I'm all out of ideas... Any advice?

FS

I think it's my bearings. Any advice on the cheapest/easiest way to change them? Buy the whole hub assembly or ...? Not much info I found after a quick search.

FS

its a sealed hub. i did both sides of mine and the worse part was getting the hub out because it was kinda seized in there.

Thanks! What exactly was seized? Did you use an impact wrench? Any chance I could fit in an impact driver (electric) in that area? I'm afraid mine may be seized in pretty good due to lots of track time...

FS

I would usually think front wheel bearing if turning, it would be the one on the outside corner since that carries the weight load in a turn ... i.e. passenger side since you said it happens turning left, but not right

the wheel bearing/hub assembly is mounted on the upright with 4-bolts


https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...l-hubs-187970/


https://www.rx8club.com/attachments/...hub%5B1%5D.jpg

https://www.rx8club.com/attachments/...0304131108.jpg

Thanks for the info!

FS