Vibration problem

[enjenjo]

I have a vibration problem on my 2012 HHR. It's in the front end, you can feel it through the steering wheel. A little history.

This started about a year ago.  It started at about 55 mph, and went away about 62 mph. I had the tires rotated, no change. Tires rebalanced, twice, by two different shops, no change. My shop diagnosed two wheels bent. I replaced them with new wheels. No change. I replaced rotors and pads, checked wheel bearings and CV shafts, no change. I replaced all four tires with new ones. Now it is somewhat better but still vibrates from about 57 mph to 60 mph.

Any ideas? This is driving me nuts.

[chimp koose]

Maybe your caster is different from side to side and/or there is slight play in a tie rod ? Sure is a narrow speed range for a vibration but new tires and rims has removed some of it . is there maybe some radial runout on the rims or tires

[kb426]

1st thought: kick it into neutral and see if the vibration changes. If that does nothing, 2nd thought: check all the engine and trans mounts. Look for cracked steel going to the mounting locations. 3rd thought: check cv joints. 4th thought: trade vehicles.

[idrivejunk]

Round tires are tough to find.

Got greaseable tie rod ends?

Your rack could be miled out.

CVs shake on acceleration.

Worn eng / trans mounts can make the CV joints ride in a different spot.

Do a toe setting experiment?

Slot struts , do a camber experiment.

Have somebody turn the wheels while you watch the strut mount on top.

It is FWD, right?  Says bodyman.

[enjenjo]

1st thought: kick it into neutral and see if the vibration changes. If that does nothing, 2nd thought: check all the engine and trans mounts. Look for cracked steel going to the mounting locations. 3rd thought: check cv joints. 4th thought: trade vehicles.

No. It is the same vibration coasting, in neutral, or accelerating. I can drive through it to 65mph, and it no longer vibrates. If I drop to 55mph it stops vibrating.

This car has electric power steering if that makes any difference

[chimp koose]

If it happens in neutral, coasting and accelerating I would think it has to do with tires/rims/suspension in some way or maybe a slightly bent axle if it is FWD ?

[58 Yeoman]

Back in the late 90's, I bought an old beater 86 Cutlass and replaced the rack. Had a shake after that, and people told me the new rebuilt was the cause. It was too much trouble for an old beater to replace it again.

[50 F1]

If it was a three axle semi I would say get a axle alignment

[Arnold]

 I've had vibrations..and some noises..that were eventually traced to excessive play in the front diff itself(fwd). 2 of these had WAAY too much play when the vehicle was in park and rocked back and forth'

[jaybee]

Suspension bushings tight? Some FWD vehicles are very sensitive to everything being just right.

[enjenjo]

I have it scheduled for an alignment and service next week. Lets hope they find something.