Nissan Repair: steering wheel shaking/vibration, 2004 nissan maxima, steering linkage

Question
QUESTION: hey Calvin,

i own a 2004 nissan maxima. whenever im driving and speed
is at 50 through 70 the steering wheel shakes/vibrate. i have gotten a tire roation and wheel balance and it doesnt seem to solve my problem. i been having this problem for months now and i really dont know what the problem is. and also when im driving on a hwy the tires seems to be making noise while rotation mode... is tha normal?  pls shed some light on me ! thanks alot

av

ANSWER: Hi av -

There are a couple things I can think of -\

First - check your tire "out of round". Sometimes some air gets between the plys of the tire, or it wears unevenly. Check each tire by squatting in front of it and running your hands (not fingers) along the surface of the tire. I should be smooth and have no bumps, or bulges. Check each one. If you feel the shaking on the steering wheel as opposed to the entire car, it is probably the front tire.

Secondly, check the front steering linkage for play, especially the idler arm, tie rod ends, center link, and even steering rack. Best way to check this is to raise the vehicle and try to move the wheels left to right. There should be no play.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hey calvin,

         i will certainly do that and post you up on the results. but one more
thing, someone also suggest that it may be the front motor mount? now im
not an expert but would that might be one of the reason the for the  
vibration/shaking  on the steering wheel?

AV

Answer
Motor mount is not usually the culprit for vibration.

The easiest way to check your mount is to open the hood, and start the engine. While pressing on the brake firmly, place the car in drive and press on the gas slowly. If the engine starts to rise more than an inch, then your motor mount needs replacement. You can do the same with the engine in reverse.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin