Tires/Wheels - Vibration at Highway Speeds
File in Section: 03 - SuspensionBulletin No.: 04-03-10-006
Issue Date: August, 2004
Subject:
Vehicle Vibrations at Highway Speeds 72-110 km/h (45-70 mph) (Road Test Vehicle/Perform Diagnostic Procedures, if Necessary)
Models Affected:
2004-2005 Saturn ION Vehicles
Attention: Technician
Condition:
Some customers may comment on vehicle vibrations at highway speeds 72-110 km/h (45-70 mph). These vibrations may be apparent after a vehicle has been parked for an extended period of time, usually more than 45 days.
Cause:
This condition may be caused by permanent or non-permanent tire flat-spotting, which may occur on one or more of the vehicle tires. Non-permanent tire flat-spotting is a condition that can normally be eliminated by driving the vehicle on a 16-24 km (10-15 mile) road test at highway speeds. Permanent tire flat-spotting is a condition that cannot be "driven out."
Correction:
Important:
Balancing the tires will not eliminate vibrations caused by a permanent or non-permanent tire flat-spotting condition.
To reduce the possibility of a customer taking delivery of a vehicle with a vibration concern, any vehicle that has been sitting in one position for more than 45 days should be road tested to verify that no vibration is present. If a vibration is present, then the vehicle should be driven 10 to 15 miles to see if the concern can be "driven out." If a vibration concern is still present after the road test, then the condition may be caused by permanent tire flat-spotting. If permanent tire flat-spotting is suspected, then diagnose the vibration concern by following the procedures under "Diagnostic Starting Point - Vibration Diagnosis and Correction" in the appropriate Service Manual or SI for the vehicle with the condition.
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