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Can strong winds cause vibration in steering wheel?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by GaryHere, Mar 30, 2016.

  1. GaryHere

    GaryHere Member

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    Picked up another C today cause we wanted the 3 model and got a 2012 with 29K, traded in the other C.

    Driving home into a very strong wind I felt vibration in the wheel at 70-75Mph, it seemed to get less when slower.

    Can winds cause vibration?

    Also can overinflated tires or underinflated cause that vibration too? I didnt check it at the dealer as I thought they would have and its too dark now to check.

    One last thing, when they rotate tires, do they also balance them?

    I am thinking and hoping its not something more (front end issues) but either was the strong winds and me going into them at 75Mph or something with the tires?

    BTW with that speed and winds I got 44.5 Mpg on the screen for the trip :(
     
    #1 GaryHere, Mar 30, 2016
  2. LasVegasaurusRex

    LasVegasaurusRex Active Member

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    strong winds can cause vibration. but consistent oscillation is generally something else. not sure what you experienced but if you experienced oscillation get your tires balanced, correctly pressurized and physically inspected. if that doesn't fix it it's your steering rack bidding you adieu
     
    #2 LasVegasaurusRex, Mar 30, 2016
  3. GaryHere

    GaryHere Member

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    Ok will check that, thanks

    Steering rack already at such low miles?
    29k?
     
    #3 GaryHere, Mar 30, 2016
  4. LasVegasaurusRex

    LasVegasaurusRex Active Member

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    i mean, 99% chance your wheels are just off-balance, but yeah it's still a possibility. doubtful tho.
     
    #4 LasVegasaurusRex, Mar 30, 2016
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  5. GaryHere

    GaryHere Member

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    That's good to hear, I just had a huge panic attack when I looked up cost of rack.
     
    #5 GaryHere, Mar 30, 2016
  6. LasVegasaurusRex

    LasVegasaurusRex Active Member

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    sorry, just my nature to be thorough lol

    if it makes you feel any better subarus have notoriously weak steering racks, mine's still going strong at 120k, i'm the 3rd owner, and i certainly don't baby it.
     
    #6 LasVegasaurusRex, Mar 30, 2016
  7. GaryHere

    GaryHere Member

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    Yea getting better each post lol

    It was more like I can feel the road imperfections in wheel

    Also wife reminded me that I was driving Dads brand new suv for two weeks then went straight into the prius c which lets face it takes the road alot harsher than a brand new Suv might

    I might not be that readjusted to the switch so fast, will know more tomorrow

    Well it turned out to be two badly bent rims, thanx for the help
     
    #7 GaryHere, Mar 30, 2016
    LasVegasaurusRex likes this.
  8. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    You can often pick up a cheap pair at a salvage yard. That will save you a lot over the cost of OEM. Good luck!
    .
     
    #8 hill, Mar 30, 2016
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  9. LasVegasaurusRex

    LasVegasaurusRex Active Member

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    well first go raise hell at the dealer, nobody should be selling a car with bent rims talk about a safety issue


    if that doesn't work, 4 aftermarket wheels are generally around the same price as 2 OEMs. then you can throw the OEMs on craigslist for $$$


    but really the dealer should be paying for this.
     
    #9 LasVegasaurusRex, Mar 30, 2016
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2016
  10. GaryHere

    GaryHere Member

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    Yea salvage would be cheaper, thanks much

    I agree they should pay and be responsible but the "As Is" agreement is in effect here, I really have no rights on this however I'm not going to go thru the day without speaking my mind to them :D
     
    #10 GaryHere, Mar 31, 2016
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