Toyota Repair: Suspension, bridgestone tires, new camry

Question
Hi Ted,

I purchased a new 2012 XLE 4 cyl Camry in December of last year. The alignment of the car was drifting to the left. The local Toyota garage fixed that in early January this year. The mechanic also said he toed the wheel in.

I have been noticing two other problems with my new Camry and am wondering if they are related to the wheel alignment in the above paragraph. From back in January I notice when driving the car that it seems to pick up bumps more than it used to. I can feel this in the steering wheel. The feel is like there is more bounce in the car that I can detect and feel through the steering wheel.

I also notice under a feeling on the floor of the driver's side when I take a turn to the left. Sometimes I feel a vibration there if I put my foot in the middle of the floor just in front of the seat.

As far as feeling the bumps in the front end, the local Toyota garage said they could not note anything different from any Camry with regard to the front end ride. Their guy drove the car for 4 miles. I have had a good feel for things like this as I can pick up things through the steering column and know something is different on this Camry with the ride.

Is there something the tech guy may have done while working on the alignment and toe in that could cause a looseness?

I also notice a shimmy in the front end when driving to work. The drive is 9 miles and I feel it all they way into work even on non-bumpy roads. This shimmy is only noticeable at lower speeds of say 40 and under. The local Toyota garage told me that is because the Bridgestone tires on the car. Those tires are very hard and they are like that until they warm up. (I live in PA)

What are your thoughts on the car picking up bumps in the road?

Whats your take on the shimmy and Bridgestone tires. My first thought is a tire is out of balance which is odd since I only had the car a couple of months.

Thanks Ted!

Appreciatively,

Mike

Answer
A low speed shimmy is usally due to a bent rim or a tire that has a tread seperation issue, tires do not do this unless there is a problem with the wheel or the tire. It is still under warranty and the dealer should address your concerns, I do not have any information or have experienced the symptoms on a camry this new. If the deasler can not or is unwilling to deal with your complaints then you should contact Toyota's customer experience center either by phone or online. The phomne number for your region is in the owner's manual, or you can go directly to toyota.com and navigate through the menu.