Shimmy in the Steering Wheel
05-28-2003, 05:52 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 3
Shimmy in the Steering Wheel
As I drive between the speeds of 35-50 I get a shimmy in my 2k4 maxima. I took it to the dealer to have the wheels checked for balance but they check ok. Does anyone else have this same problem?Thanks.
05-28-2003, 05:57 AM
#2
what about the alignment?
i would have the dealer check for alignment and balance..
if they tell you every checks out ok.. take it to a local shop.. firestore, sears.. anyone you like..
if they find a problem, have them print out the specs, take it to the dealer and have the dealer pay.
if you are getting the feeling, they a tech must experience the same thing, if not, take them for a ride and show them what you are experiencing..
Alot of times they leave your car in the lot for hours and say they drove it when they didn't
i would have the dealer check for alignment and balance..
if they tell you every checks out ok.. take it to a local shop.. firestore, sears.. anyone you like..
if they find a problem, have them print out the specs, take it to the dealer and have the dealer pay.
if you are getting the feeling, they a tech must experience the same thing, if not, take them for a ride and show them what you are experiencing..
Alot of times they leave your car in the lot for hours and say they drove it when they didn't
05-28-2003, 06:59 AM
#3
I just took mine in for a hesitation....the Svc. manager said he wont fix anything because the tech could not duplicate the problem.
I told the Svc manager to get in the car with me and I will show him personally. He then said he would have the tech ride with me.
5 min's go by, The Svc manager calls me back while driving my car personally and agrees to the hesitation.
05-28-2003, 09:55 AM
#7
Originally posted by gmc74
Do you know if the TSB(s) are online anywhere? I sometimes have some hesitation as I go into a corner, like getting on the highway and jamming on the gas... kind of annoying, but I didn't think about it until I read this.
Do you know if the TSB(s) are online anywhere? I sometimes have some hesitation as I go into a corner, like getting on the highway and jamming on the gas... kind of annoying, but I didn't think about it until I read this.
06-02-2003, 11:20 AM
#9
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 81
Usually, you can find the bulletins and recalls here...
Maxima bulletins
Maxima bulletins
06-02-2003, 12:44 PM
#10
Moderator GT-R
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 19,780
Re: Shimmy in the Steering Wheel
Originally posted by nbars
As I drive between the speeds of 35-50 I get a shimmy in my 2k4 maxima. I took it to the dealer to have the wheels checked for balance but they check ok. Does anyone else have this same problem?Thanks.
As I drive between the speeds of 35-50 I get a shimmy in my 2k4 maxima. I took it to the dealer to have the wheels checked for balance but they check ok. Does anyone else have this same problem?Thanks.
06-13-2003, 10:21 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2000
Posts: 596
LONG REPLY BUT PLEASE READ:
Yes, there is a vibration and it has the attention of Nissan engineers from what I hear. When I bought the car, I looked past it because I attributed it to the tires and I knew I was replacing them with Michelins, which I did. On a road trip, I noticed it was continual, almost cyclical. My experience is primarily b/w 78 and 80 mph; of course that is where I drive. I have 3500 miles on the car and it has been balanced twice and road-force variance was checked as recently as Thursday. I had a friend drive my car and he confirmed that what I'm experiencing is really unacceptable in a car of this class (or really any car). I'm pursuing a solution through Nissan locally. I'll keep the forum updated on the status of my efforts.
If you are feeling any vibration at all, don't be so quick to accept it as normal. You can tell the difference between "road feel" and harshness/vibration being reported through the wheel. Do this little test: get the car up to speed and remove your hands from the wheel and just look for up and down or side to side vibration in the wheel. Let the forum know what you see/feel. Mine is more side-to-side which I don't think is characteristic of a balance problem. You really shouldn't see any degree of movement: my 02 SE is smooth, as is my son's RSX.
So, post your observations and concerns. The more people that come forward, the sooner the Nissan engineers can get word of the problems and gather the information they need about the scope of the issue and similarity in the complaints.
Thanks!
srm
Yes, there is a vibration and it has the attention of Nissan engineers from what I hear. When I bought the car, I looked past it because I attributed it to the tires and I knew I was replacing them with Michelins, which I did. On a road trip, I noticed it was continual, almost cyclical. My experience is primarily b/w 78 and 80 mph; of course that is where I drive. I have 3500 miles on the car and it has been balanced twice and road-force variance was checked as recently as Thursday. I had a friend drive my car and he confirmed that what I'm experiencing is really unacceptable in a car of this class (or really any car). I'm pursuing a solution through Nissan locally. I'll keep the forum updated on the status of my efforts.
If you are feeling any vibration at all, don't be so quick to accept it as normal. You can tell the difference between "road feel" and harshness/vibration being reported through the wheel. Do this little test: get the car up to speed and remove your hands from the wheel and just look for up and down or side to side vibration in the wheel. Let the forum know what you see/feel. Mine is more side-to-side which I don't think is characteristic of a balance problem. You really shouldn't see any degree of movement: my 02 SE is smooth, as is my son's RSX.
So, post your observations and concerns. The more people that come forward, the sooner the Nissan engineers can get word of the problems and gather the information they need about the scope of the issue and similarity in the complaints.
Thanks!
srm
06-15-2003, 03:44 PM
#13
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Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 67
Maxmann,
I tried your test this morning on my SL and, sure enough, shimmy and shake. Mine occurs mostly at around 100 km/h, the legal driving limit here in Ontario (equivalent to 62 mph). I would say in the 62 to 70 mph range. I've gotta say I'm pretty disappointed. And I know the dealer will downplay the issue and tell me I'm dreaming. What would be the implications or repercussions of this problem? Will it deteriorate some aspects of the car prematurely?
Thanks!
I tried your test this morning on my SL and, sure enough, shimmy and shake. Mine occurs mostly at around 100 km/h, the legal driving limit here in Ontario (equivalent to 62 mph). I would say in the 62 to 70 mph range. I've gotta say I'm pretty disappointed. And I know the dealer will downplay the issue and tell me I'm dreaming. What would be the implications or repercussions of this problem? Will it deteriorate some aspects of the car prematurely?
Thanks!
06-15-2003, 03:48 PM
#14
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 20
Are all of the 2004 Maxima owners experiencing the vibration in the steering wheel when they go a certain speed? Is this problem only noticeable in the SL and not the SE's or does this problem exist in both the models? I placed the order for a 2004 Maxima SE 5 Speed Auto and am kind of dissappointed with this whole situation. I dont htink this is acceptable for a car having vibration in the steering wheel while driving acceptable for a car of this caliber.
06-15-2003, 04:20 PM
#15
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Join Date: May 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 21
I am also experiencing the "shimmy" in my SE. My "shimmy" occurs between 35-60 MPH, give or take. I'm not certain of the possible long term damage to the vehicle. I will be taking my car in next month for service and have already called this one in. Let me know what anyone else finds out. Take care. 
06-15-2003, 05:51 PM
#16
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 628
I am wondering if the SL's wheel-tire unit is slightly out-of-round. If the wheel is slightly too small for the tire, it could be mounted slightly off-center. Balancing only would not reveal this flaw. This could explain why there isn't a problem with the 18 inch rims, if those rims are a better fit for their tires. On the other hand, this explanation would appear to predict steadily increasing shimmy with increasing speed, which doesn't seem to be the case with most of the reports in this thread.
06-15-2003, 08:34 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2000
Posts: 596
I'm hearing that most complaints are rising from SL owners. I'll keep this thread updated as I get information I can share. In the meantime, it would help if those of you that suspect you have a problem and are reading this just chime in. I do plan to share this thread with my local Nissan representative so he can hopefully forward it to plant engineers.
Thanks!
Scott
Thanks!
Scott
06-15-2003, 11:20 PM
#18
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 20
I test drove a 2004 SE 5 Speed Automatic w/ Elite and VDC at a local dealer. I was concerned about the shimmy in the steering wheel issue as I had ordered one for myself on the 1st of this month. Sure enough, the problem is definitely there and very noticeable. Even the fleet manager at my dealership agreed that the car did have a vibration problem with the steering wheel. When the car reached between 35-45 mph or between 65-80 mph, I definitely felt the steering shake and once you take your hands off it, you can see how it shimmers in an up and down and side to side motion. I hope Nissan does something to correct this problem or else Im pulling my order off and going with the infinity or an acura. I hate to do this since I like this car so much but I cannot live with such issues for a car of this caliber.
06-16-2003, 09:57 AM
#19
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3
I have had this "shimmy" in my Silver SE since the day I purchased it. The "shimmy" occurs between 45-65 MPH. Long story short - I have had the wheels/tires balanced by the dealership twice (once with Load Variance) and once by a local Wheel/Trie shop. The dealership informed me that it's due to flatspots on the tires and to give the tires time to "roll in". They will re-evaluate the situation at my first oil change (this week) but did remind me that Tires are not a Nissan Warrenty Item. I'll post an update after I speak with the dealership or Nissan.
06-16-2003, 12:10 PM
#23
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Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 67
Originally posted by xterradave
I have had this "shimmy" in my Silver SE since the day I purchased it. The "shimmy" occurs between 45-65 MPH. Long story short - I have had the wheels/tires balanced by the dealership twice (once with Load Variance) and once by a local Wheel/Trie shop. The dealership informed me that it's due to flatspots on the tires and to give the tires time to "roll in". They will re-evaluate the situation at my first oil change (this week) but did remind me that Tires are not a Nissan Warrenty Item. I'll post an update after I speak with the dealership or Nissan.
I have had this "shimmy" in my Silver SE since the day I purchased it. The "shimmy" occurs between 45-65 MPH. Long story short - I have had the wheels/tires balanced by the dealership twice (once with Load Variance) and once by a local Wheel/Trie shop. The dealership informed me that it's due to flatspots on the tires and to give the tires time to "roll in". They will re-evaluate the situation at my first oil change (this week) but did remind me that Tires are not a Nissan Warrenty Item. I'll post an update after I speak with the dealership or Nissan.
06-16-2003, 03:01 PM
#26
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 223
Originally posted by Booyah
Seems to be a SL problem with the 17" rims~ by the way I test drove a few SL's and have not noticed this shimmy, but really wasnt looking for it either if its a minor thing..
Seems to be a SL problem with the 17" rims~ by the way I test drove a few SL's and have not noticed this shimmy, but really wasnt looking for it either if its a minor thing..
Hi, Just throught I would add my comments to this problem. I am new
to this forum. I have a Liquid Silver frost interior SE with Driver
preferred , Power sunroof , VDC ,Mud Guards and Mats. I have 354 mile on this one week old 2004 Max. I to have had this shimmy show it face
twice. both times around 55 miles per hour. I will wait to here if Nissan comes up with a remedy before I bring car into dealer.
06-16-2003, 05:09 PM
#27
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 34
Ewww, I dont like to hear that, I think you are the first with the shimmy on an SE--maybe your tires are just unbalanced??
Have you had a chance to experience the VDC in action as far as the traction control buttin in when you take off hard or in the rain and the front tires want to spin?
Have you had a chance to experience the VDC in action as far as the traction control buttin in when you take off hard or in the rain and the front tires want to spin?
06-17-2003, 03:42 PM
#29
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 628
It's subtle, it's not going to try to tear your hands off the wheel. Find a nice smooth road, then hands off wheel. If you see any movement at all, you've got the problem. My 95 Escort (with 88 big ones under the hood) tracks up to 80 without even a hint of vibration in the steering wheel.
Originally posted by ricerocketjocke
Hey Guys,
I've got 1200 miles on my SE and haven't noticed any shaking in the wheel. But then again, I'm not really looking for it.
Hey Guys,
I've got 1200 miles on my SE and haven't noticed any shaking in the wheel. But then again, I'm not really looking for it.
06-17-2003, 05:22 PM
#30
Moderator GT-R
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 19,780
Originally posted by Booyah
Ewww, I dont like to hear that, I think you are the first with the shimmy on an SE--maybe your tires are just unbalanced??
Have you had a chance to experience the VDC in action as far as the traction control buttin in when you take off hard or in the rain and the front tires want to spin?
Ewww, I dont like to hear that, I think you are the first with the shimmy on an SE--maybe your tires are just unbalanced??
Have you had a chance to experience the VDC in action as far as the traction control buttin in when you take off hard or in the rain and the front tires want to spin?
06-17-2003, 11:15 PM
#31
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 20
Originally posted by bluemaxx
Not the first SE. Mine does it too. In my first post I mentioned 35-45 mph. It is actually the worst at about 45 - 50. The flatter and smoother the road, the more obvious is the shake. The steering wheel oscilates through about 2 or 3 degrees of its rotation. At other speeds or on coarse textured road surfaces I don't notice it at all.
Not the first SE. Mine does it too. In my first post I mentioned 35-45 mph. It is actually the worst at about 45 - 50. The flatter and smoother the road, the more obvious is the shake. The steering wheel oscilates through about 2 or 3 degrees of its rotation. At other speeds or on coarse textured road surfaces I don't notice it at all.
because of their ignorance!!!I hope all you SL and SE owners write a complaint to nissan because they sure cheated each and every buyer who invested their money in and did not get what they paid for.
06-18-2003, 09:23 AM
#32
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 5
SE Shimmies As Well
Hello all... I'm new to the forum and Maxima's in general as I've typically driven VW's.
I have a 2004 SE w/ Sensory Package, Flaps, Mats, and Sunroof as options. I too noticed the shimmy, not jarring but definitely noticeable at various speeds.
I recently turned in a VW Jetta lease and have typically driven cars in that class. Would not expect this from a car of this caliber. I propose that everyone concerned print out these comments and take them to the dealership. I plan to as the sheer numbers don't lie. Hopefully it will be addressed in the near future as I surely love everything else about the car. I mean, 'astroturf' inside the wheel wells?! woohoo! Cheers...
I have a 2004 SE w/ Sensory Package, Flaps, Mats, and Sunroof as options. I too noticed the shimmy, not jarring but definitely noticeable at various speeds.
I recently turned in a VW Jetta lease and have typically driven cars in that class. Would not expect this from a car of this caliber. I propose that everyone concerned print out these comments and take them to the dealership. I plan to as the sheer numbers don't lie. Hopefully it will be addressed in the near future as I surely love everything else about the car. I mean, 'astroturf' inside the wheel wells?! woohoo! Cheers...
06-19-2003, 12:52 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 191
How much does the shimmy detract from driving the car? I have a shimmy in my altima due to a slightly bent rim from a minor curb collision and it doesnt detract from driving. Does it make any darting motions or does it track straight?
06-19-2003, 06:11 AM
#34
Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 34
After hearing all this shimmy stuff! Im going to hold off on purchasing my car! Does everyone on the forum have this problem? Also has any dealership contacted Nissan and what have they said about it. Im hoping the acknowledge that its a problem and are looking into this very seriously.
06-19-2003, 11:43 AM
#35
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Posts: 3
Update on my "Shimmy" - The dealer has now concluded that it IS the Goodyear tires that are causing the problem and that this is not a Nissan issue. We will have to take this up with Goodyear (and Goodyear will tell us that this is a Nissan issue). So before I go round and round with Nissan and Goodyear, I'm already on the phone with Nissan Customer Affairs. This was a problem when I purchased the car and should be resolved by Nissan and Nissan should take it up with Goodyear. I have spent enough time with this issue. UPDATE SOON!
06-19-2003, 01:06 PM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 717
Originally posted by xterradave
Update on my "Shimmy" - The dealer has now concluded that it IS the Goodyear tires that are causing the problem and that this is not a Nissan issue. We will have to take this up with Goodyear (and Goodyear will tell us that this is a Nissan issue). So before I go round and round with Nissan and Goodyear, I'm already on the phone with Nissan Customer Affairs. This was a problem when I purchased the car and should be resolved by Nissan and Nissan should take it up with Goodyear. I have spent enough time with this issue. UPDATE SOON!
Update on my "Shimmy" - The dealer has now concluded that it IS the Goodyear tires that are causing the problem and that this is not a Nissan issue. We will have to take this up with Goodyear (and Goodyear will tell us that this is a Nissan issue). So before I go round and round with Nissan and Goodyear, I'm already on the phone with Nissan Customer Affairs. This was a problem when I purchased the car and should be resolved by Nissan and Nissan should take it up with Goodyear. I have spent enough time with this issue. UPDATE SOON!
yes of course NISSAN said it is a Goodyear issue, welcome to the superior NISSAN SERVICE......or lack of
06-19-2003, 02:13 PM
#37
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 628
Shimmy, shimmy, kokobop
Well, if the tire-wheel unit is balanced properly, and it is still the fault of the tires, the tire-wheel unit has to be out-of-round. Thirty years ago, you could have your tires shaved to true round for a few bucks. If those machines are still around, somebody should try shaving their fronts to true round and then see if shimmy is still present. If so, it ain't Goodyear's problem.
06-19-2003, 02:49 PM
#38
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 67
Originally posted by xterradave
Update on my "Shimmy" - The dealer has now concluded that it IS the Goodyear tires that are causing the problem and that this is not a Nissan issue. We will have to take this up with Goodyear (and Goodyear will tell us that this is a Nissan issue). So before I go round and round with Nissan and Goodyear, I'm already on the phone with Nissan Customer Affairs. This was a problem when I purchased the car and should be resolved by Nissan and Nissan should take it up with Goodyear. I have spent enough time with this issue. UPDATE SOON!
Update on my "Shimmy" - The dealer has now concluded that it IS the Goodyear tires that are causing the problem and that this is not a Nissan issue. We will have to take this up with Goodyear (and Goodyear will tell us that this is a Nissan issue). So before I go round and round with Nissan and Goodyear, I'm already on the phone with Nissan Customer Affairs. This was a problem when I purchased the car and should be resolved by Nissan and Nissan should take it up with Goodyear. I have spent enough time with this issue. UPDATE SOON!
06-19-2003, 08:46 PM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2000
Posts: 596
The diagnosis for my problem? Servicing dealer did NOT balance to spec. At the plant, it was determined my wheels were out of balance. They were balanced and my ride is now smooth! This car was just balanced last week. Word is that other wheels coming into the plant from other dealers to be checked were out of balance although dealer had balanced them. It would appear that some dealers aren't keeping their machines calibrated or they are being calibrated incorrectly. However, I'm happy to report that all this stress over what I thought was a serious problem ended up not being so. Good luck to the rest of you. You're going to have to find someone that can give you an accurate read on the condition of the balance and road-force variance on the wheel/tire setup. I'll be taking a 6 hour road trip in the car Saturday, so I'll know for sure if this took care of my problem, but early indicator driving tonight makes it appear that it has.
srm
srm